The Partnership Bonus is a special part of Germany’s Elterngeld system that rewards parents who share family and work responsibilities equally. If both parents work part-time after their baby is born, they can receive extra months of ElterngeldPlus. This article explains how it works, what the conditions are, how much money you can receive, and how to apply. It’s ideal for couples who want to co-parent and stay financially supported.
💡 On our website, you can access free tools to:
- Check if you’re eligible for Elterngeld
- Calculate your individual Elterngeld amount
- Fill out the application with our step-by-step form helper
- Find out which documents you need for the Elterngeld application
What Is the Partnership Bonus?
The Partnership Bonus (Partnerschaftsbonus) is part of the Elterngeld system. It provides up to 4 additional months of ElterngeldPlus per parent (8 months total) if both parents work part-time at the same time.
✔️ Who can apply?
- Couples living together with their child
- Separated parents who share custody
- Single parents who meet the working conditions
Conditions You Must Meet
✅ Both parents must:
- Work between 24 and 32 hours per week
- Do this for 2, 3, or 4 consecutive months
- Apply together (if in a couple)
⏱️ Even if you’re self-employed, you can still qualify — just show your working hours and income.
⚠️ Important: If one parent drops below 24 hours or exceeds 32 hours in any week, you lose the bonus for both parents.
💡 Use our free Elterngeld advisor quiz to check if the bonus fits your job plans.
How Much Money Is It?
You receive the same amount you get with ElterngeldPlus, but for more months.
🧮 Example:
| Parent | Monthly ElterngeldPlus | Months | Total Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex | €900 | 4 | €3,600 |
| Sam | €850 | 4 | €3,400 |
| Total | — | 8 | €7,000 |
That’s €7,000 extra to support your family while both parents work part-time.
When Can You Use It?
You can apply for the Partnership Bonus:
- After your regular Elterngeld or ElterngeldPlus months
- Or immediately, if you plan your months that way
👶 It’s flexible, but you must commit to the part-time work schedule.
📝 Planning tip: You can adjust your application later if your work plans change. Just tell the Elterngeldstelle early.
What About Non-Germans or Families Abroad?
Yes, foreign parents can also get the Partnership Bonus if:
- You live in Germany
- You have a residence permit that allows work
- You are working part-time legally (employee or self-employed)
🌍 If you’re abroad now but plan to move to Germany, you must:
- Arrive before your child is born, or at least before applying
- Register your address
- Be eligible to work
📌 Use our free eligibility quiz to check your situation in minutes.
Application Tips
To apply, you’ll need:
- A birth certificate
- Your income proof before the birth
- Your part-time work plan (hours/week)
- Possibly a statement from your employer
💡 Our application quiz gives you a ready-to-use document with all documents you need — and it’s free.
Common Questions
Q: What if my partner works too much one week?
A: If you go over 32 hours, you may lose the bonus. Plan ahead, and use vacation days carefully.
Q: Can single parents apply?
A: Yes — if you work 24–32 hours per week and meet the other requirements.
Q: Can we switch to Partnership Bonus later?
A: Yes — you can adjust your application if your plans change (before the child turns 14 months old).
Final Checklist: Partnership Bonus
✅ Plan to work 24–32 hrs/week for 2–4 months
✅ Use our quiz to check your eligibility
✅ Collect income and job documentation
✅ Coordinate your working times with your partner
✅ Apply to the Elterngeldstelle (online or paper form)
✅ Report any changes in working time immediately
