If your baby is born prematurely, you're entitled to additional Basiselterngeld months. The earlier the birth, the more extra months:
The weeks are counted from your due date (errechneter Geburtstermin), not from when a full-term pregnancy would end.
Example: Due date was April 15, baby born February 20. That's about 8 weeks early → 2 extra months.
You'll need documentation from your doctor confirming the due date and actual birth date.
The normal 12 Basis monthly entitlements increase to 13, 14, 15 or 16 depending on how early the child was born. Up to two partner months may still be added if their conditions are met. The latest possible Basis month is extended accordingly.
The extra months are Basiselterngeld months. They can be converted to ElterngeldPlus like any other month (1 Basis = 2 Plus).
This means a very premature birth could give you significant extra time if you use ElterngeldPlus.
For self-employed, the last completed tax year before birth is the assessment period (not 12 months before birth). The tax assessment or income statement serves as proof. Income during the benefit period is calculated based on a forecast and later reconciled with actual income.
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