If you’re expecting a baby in Germany or just welcomed your little one, you’re probably hearing a lot about Elterngeld—Germany’s parental allowance. It’s a financial lifeline for new parents who want to spend time with their child without stressing over money. But one of the most common questions is:
👉 “When should I apply for Elterngeld?”
Let’s break it down simply.
⏳ When Can You Apply?
You can apply as soon as your baby is born—not before. This is because some essential documents (like the child’s birth certificate) are only available after the birth.
💡 But: You should prepare everything in advance, so you’re ready to submit your application quickly.
🗓️ How Long Can You Wait?
You have up to three months after the child’s birth to apply retroactively. This means if your baby is born in January and you apply in April, you’ll still receive Elterngeld for January, February, and March.
🚨 After three months after giving birth, you lose money! If you apply later than that, you will not receive back payments for the missed months.
🧠 Our Tip: Start Early (Even Before the Birth)
While you can’t submit your Elterngeld application before the birth, you can:
- Take the eligibility test and make sure that you are entitled to Elterngeld
- Try out the Elterngeld Calculator and feel free to adjust variables to see if there are things you could already change to increase your Elterngeld.
- Use the Elterngeld-Application Guide Quiz and thereby find out which documents you need, and how to fill out your Elterngeld-Form
- Download the Elterngeld Application form from the official website of your state (=Bundesland) and start filling it out
- Collect your documents (proof of income, health insurance, etc.)
- Use the Elterngeld digital application portals in your Bundesland, if available
- Plan which months you and your partner will take (for Basiselterngeld, ElterngeldPlus, or Partnership Bonus)
This way, once the baby is born, you’ll just need to add the birth certificate and send it off.
📑 What You Need to Apply
Here’s what most parents need:
- Birth certificate of the child
- Proof of income (12 months before birth for employees, or last tax year for self-employed)
- Health insurance certificate
- Residence permit (if you are not a German citizen)
- Employer statements (e.g., confirmation of parental leave)
🎯 Conclusion: Don’t Delay Your Elterngeld
Even though the paperwork might seem daunting, the earlier you apply, the faster you’ll get the money—and trust us, with a newborn, every euro (and hour of sleep) counts.
So, to sum up:
- ⏰ Apply right after birth
- 📅 Don’t wait longer than 3 months
- 📂 Prepare everything before the due date
