Elterngeld
Parental allowance
Up to €1,800 per month for 12 to 14 months — Germany's state-paid wage replacement for parents in the first years of a child's life.
Start application →Elterngeld is a state-paid wage replacement under the Federal Elterngeld and Elternzeit Act (BEEG). It is intended for mothers and fathers who care for their child themselves after birth and either don't work or work only part-time. There are three variants: Basiselterngeld (basic), ElterngeldPlus (extended), and the partnership bonus (Partnerschaftsbonus). Amount: typically 65% of the lost net income, with a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month. Duration: 12 months of Basiselterngeld plus 2 partner months, or ElterngeldPlus over twice the duration at half the amount.
Eligibility
- You care for your child yourself after birth
- You live with your child in one household
- You work no more than 32 hours per week during the entitlement period
- Your residence or habitual stay is in Germany
- Your annual taxable income is below €200,000 (couples) or €150,000 (single parents) for births from 2024-04-01 onwards
2.400 € × 65 % = 1.560 € per month
- Replacement rate 65 %
- Base Elterngeld 1.560 €
- Over 12 months 18.720 €
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