Freelancers and business owners can receive Elterngeld if they meet the general eligibility requirements. Self-employment changes the assessment period, evidence and calculation; it does not create automatic eligibility.
For self-employed income, the Elterngeldstelle uses profit rather than revenue. The relevant profit-calculation periods are those underlying the last completed tax-assessment period before birth – usually the previous calendar year, but not simply the 'most recent tax return' in every case.
The income-tax assessment is the normal evidence for pre-birth profit. Statutory shifting rules can apply when specific exclusion events affected the period.
The 32-hour average over the child's life month also applies to self-employed work. Keep credible records of all working time, including administration and acquisition.
Income during the claim period is often assessed provisionally using a profit forecast and checked later against suitable profit records. The office can then issue a final decision with a repayment or additional payment.
For self-employed parents, the documentation requirements are more extensive:
Not more money, but more months: As a single parent, you can receive all 14 months of Basiselterngeld alone (instead of 12+2 partner months). You can also use the Partnerschaftsbonus alone. You qualify as single parent if the other parent doesn't live with you and the child AND you receive the tax relief for single parents.
Yes! You can work up to 32 hours per week during Elternzeit. You even have a legal right to part-time work with your employer (in companies with >15 employees, if employed >6 months). You can also work for another employer but need consent from your main employer.
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