Elterngeld for Students: Yes, You Qualify

Being a student doesn't disqualify you from Elterngeld. If you meet the basic requirements (live in Germany with your child, care for them yourself), you're eligible.

Even without any work income, you'll receive the minimum: €300/month Basiselterngeld or €150/month ElterngeldPlus.

Exception: international students whose residence permit was issued for study (§ 16b AufenthG) only qualify while they work, take Elternzeit or receive ongoing benefits from the employment agency (SGB III) (§ 1(7) no. 2 b BEEG). Work in the past is not enough. Without one of these, the €300 minimum does not apply to them either.

If neither parent had income from work before the birth, you get 12 Basiselterngeld months together, not 14, because the 2 partner months require a drop in income from work.

Study itself is not employment for the 32-hour threshold. Paid employment and self-employment alongside study still count, and income after birth can reduce the payment. The other eligibility conditions, including caring for the child yourself, still apply.

Many students have a Werkstudent position or Minijob. If you do:

• •That income is included in your Elterngeld calculation (potentially increasing your payment above the minimum)
• •Those work hours count toward the 32-hour limit during Elterngeld
• •You might need to reduce your hours while receiving Elterngeld

BAföG (student financial aid) and Elterngeld are separate. You can receive both.

However, Elterngeld above €300 per month (€150 with ElterngeldPlus) can count as income for BAföG; up to that amount it is not counted. Check with your BAföG office about how much you can receive before it impacts your aid.