The Partnership Bonus is a special part of the German Elterngeld system. It provides you with extra months of financial support if both parents work part-time simultaneously. It’s designed to support families who share child care and work responsibilities equally. In this article, we explain how it works, who is eligible, how much you can receive, and the application process. We also show how single parents can get it and offer free tools to help you plan and apply.
What Is the Partnership Bonus?
The Partnership Bonus gives you 2 to 4 additional months of ElterngeldPlus per parent, but only if both parents:
- Work part-time (24 to 32 hours per week)
- At the same time, for 2 to 4 consecutive months
You get the ElterngeldPlus amount, not the full Basic Elterngeld. But it’s extra money that’s on top of your main Elterngeld months.
🧑🍼 Single parents can also receive the bonus, under slightly different rules (explained below).
How Much Is the Partnership Bonus?
You receive the same monthly amount as ElterngeldPlus, which is usually half of your Basic Elterngeld.
Example: Dual-income family
| Before birth income (each) | ElterngeldPlus (each) | Bonus Months | Bonus Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| €2,000 net | ~€650/month | 4 months | €2,600 |
If both parents qualify:
€2,600 × 2 = €5,200 total extra
📊 Use our Elterngeld Calculator Quiz to find your personal amounts.
Who Can Get the Partnership Bonus?
✅ Both parents:
- Must live with the child
- Must both work 24–32 hours/week during the same 2–4 months
- Must not receive other full-time benefits (like Arbeitslosengeld I)
✅ Or: Single parent
- Must live alone with the child
- Must work 24–32 hours/week during the 2–4 months
- Must have sole or primary custody
Not sure if you qualify? Our free Eligibility Quiz checks your situation.
How to Apply for the Partnership Bonus
- Plan your months
Decide which 2, 3, or 4 months both parents can work 24–32 hours/week. - Apply when you send your Elterngeld application
You can choose the bonus months in advance or apply later (as long as it’s before the child turns 8). - Submit proof of working hours
After the bonus period, you’ll need to confirm your working time (your employer must sign a form).
💡 Our Form-Filling Quiz helps you choose and fill out your bonus months correctly.
What If One Parent Doesn’t Work Enough?
If the conditions are not met (e.g. one parent works too little or too much), the bonus months will be canceled for both parents. You may have to pay back the money for that period.
That’s why it’s important to plan carefully. Our Strategy Quiz helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Can Foreigners Get the Partnership Bonus?
Yes, if:
- You live in Germany with your child
- You have a residence permit that allows work
- You meet the same conditions as German parents
📍 If you’re currently abroad and planning to move: You must move to Germany before the bonus period starts.
Check your visa and work rights with our Eligibility Quiz.
Partnership Bonus for Single Parents
You can get the full 4 bonus months if you:
- Live alone with your child
- Have no partner who shares childcare
- Work 24–32 hours/week for 2–4 months
You must provide documents to prove your single-parent status. We explain how in our Form-Filling Quiz.
Table: Comparison of Elterngeld Options
| Option | Max Duration | Monthly Amount | Work Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Elterngeld | 12–14 months | 65–100% of income | ≤32 hrs/week |
| ElterngeldPlus | 24–28 months | ~Half of Basic | ≤32 hrs/week |
| Partnership Bonus | 2–4 months | ElterngeldPlus rate | 24–32 hrs/week (mandatory) |
Free Tools to Help You
On our website, you can use:
✅ Eligibility Quiz – Can I get the Partnership Bonus?
✅ Elterngeld Calculator – How much will I get?
✅ Beyond Elterngeld – Extra Benefits and how to get them
✅ What Documents do I need? – Get your checklist with all the documents you need for the application
✅ Form-Filling Quiz – Create your checklist and fill out the forms with our help
All services are free!
Final Checklist: Partnership Bonus
✅ Both parents live with the child (or you are a single parent)
✅ You both work 24–32 hours/week during the same months
✅ You planned the bonus period in your Elterngeld application
✅ You kept proof of your working hours
✅ You used our free tools to check your rights and fill your form
✅ You are living in Germany and allowed to work
💡 The Partnership Bonus is a great way to share time with your baby and still earn money. With good planning, you and your partner can get up to 8 extra months of support—completely free.
