Which Elterngeld Type Should You Choose? A Decision Guide

Start with two questions: How much income will you have after birth, and do you want more money per month or payments over a longer period?

Without income after birth, Basis and the equivalent two Plus months generally carry the same total entitlement. With part-time income, Plus can produce more over time – but not in every case. If both parents work 24–32 hours, check whether two to four Partnerschaftsbonus months fit. Our calculator compares the concrete amounts.

| Feature | Basiselterngeld | ElterngeldPlus | Partnerschaftsbonus | |---------|-----------------|----------------|---------------------| | Monthly amount | Generally €300–€1,800 before bonuses | €150–€900; cap based on no-income Basis entitlement | Calculated like ElterngeldPlus | | Month conversion | 1 Basis month | 2 Plus months per Basis month | 2–4 additional months per eligible parent | | Latest ordinary use | Usually life month 14 | Life month 32, with continuity rule | Within the applicable Plus timeline | | Main question | Higher monthly payment? | Longer payment or part-time income? | Do hours and joint timing fit? |

One parent plans twelve months without income, the other has reduced income in two life months. Basiselterngeld gives the higher monthly payment.

Whether all fourteen months are available depends on the statutory partner-month condition, and simultaneous Basis use is normally limited to one month for births from April 2024 unless an exception applies.

A parent returns to work part-time after several full-leave months. Basis can make sense for the months without income; Plus may be stronger during part-time.

But 25 hours does not determine the payment. Compare standardized income before and after birth and remember that maternity benefits after birth count as Basis months for the mother.

Both parents plan to work an average of 25–30 hours. They can check two to four consecutive Partnerschaftsbonus months claimed at the same time.

The bonus does not have to come only after all ordinary Elterngeld months. Its placement must fit the Plus continuity and general eligibility rules.