Elterngeld (Parental Allowance) is a benefit designed to compensate for reduced income when parents stop working or work less than 32 hours per week after a child’s birth, helping secure their family’s livelihood during early childcare

All parents living in Germany—including employees, civil servants, self‑employed, unemployed, and stay‑at‑home parents—can apply if their income in the 12 months before birth does not exceed €150 000 (singles) or €175 000 (couples); foster parents are excluded, but adoptive and step‑parents qualify.

Yes. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (and their spouses) with German residence qualify. Border‑crossing workers (e.g., living in Germany, working in Austria) also qualify under EU Regulation 883/2004 if they pay into social security abroad. Non-EU citizens need a valid residence permit.

• Basiselterngeld: Paid up to 12 months per parent (14 months combined), replacing about 65% of net pre‑birth income.
• ElterngeldPlus: Spreads the same amount over up to 24 months at 50% rate, ideal for part‑time work.
• Partnerschaftsbonus: Up to four extra ElterngeldPlus months if both parents work 24–32 hours/week in parallel.

Elterngeld amounts to approximately 65% of the applying parent’s net income (minimum €300, maximum €1,800 per month). For each additional multiple birth, you receive an extra €300 per child.

Please try the free Elterngeld Calculator to estimate your Elterngeld.

You must submit your application after the child’s birth and within three months to receive benefits retroactively for up to three months. Applications go to your local Elterngeldstelle (by paper) or, in participating states, online via ElterngeldDigital.