Elterngeld in Germany [2024 Parental Allowance] - Navigate Germany

Elterngeld (parental allowance) is an allowance to minimize the loss of earnings caused by the birth of your newborn. The German federal government encourages both parents to spend quality time with the newborn. Both parents can share the amount of parental allowance.

Elterngeld (Parental Allowance)

The German government offers parental allowance (family benefit) to new parents to help them financially. It is 300 to 1800 Euros monthly depending on the parent’s income. You can receive it if you are;

• A student or a trainee but an EU citizen
• An employee
• A mother and father who stay at home with the baby
• A part-time worker
• A civil servant
• Someone with a mini job
• Self-employed
• Someone who works abroad but has a German contract of employment
• Unemployed

Kinds of Parental Allowance

Three kinds of parental allowance are;

• Basic parental allowance (basis elterngeld)
• Parental allowance plus (elterngeld plus)
• Partnership bonus (partnerschaftsbonus)

Basic Parental Allowance vs Parental Allowance Plus

Amount of Parental Allowance

The amount of Elterngeld depends on;

• Annual income before the birth of your child
• Number of birth (single, twin, or triplets)
• Number of previous kids
• Other state benefits (child sickness benefits)
• Part-time job after the birth of your child
• Type of allowance you applied for

Here is the percentage of income you will receive after having a child;

Minimum and Maximum Amount

The minimum and maximum amount of parental allowance (Elterngeld) is;

Minimum amount = 300 Euros Maximum amount = 1800 Euros

Duration to Receive Parental Allowance

You can receive parental allowance for minimum two months, and maximum 12 months depending on the type of allowance you apply for. The period starts from the month of your childbirth. Here are some cases;

• If you and your partner both want to claim parental allowance, additional payments for two months will be given.
• As a single or separated parent or guardian, you can get the benefit of additional two months.
• If you and your spouse are sharing parental allowance, get it one by one or together simultaneously for 14 months. You both need a parental allowance for seven months.
• For a premature baby, receive payments for four additional months.

Eligibility Criteria

Below is the criteria to receive parental allowance;

• Adopted a child of eight years old.
• Can work in Germany permanently.
• German or EU citizen.
• Have permanent residence permit
• The couple’s annual income is not more than 300,000 Euros. A single or separated parent’s annual income is not more than 250000 Euros.
• Taking care of your or someone’s child yourself since the birth of your baby.
• Working hours less than 32 hours per week.
• You and your child are living in the same house.

Application Process

Submit your application at the local parental allowance office (Elterngeldstelle) or online. Find your regional office’s address on the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth website. Online application is only available in Berlin, Hamburg, Saxony, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Thuringia, Saxony Anhalt, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg Vorpommern, Schleswig Holstein, and Rhineland Palatinate. Below is the procedure;

• Fill out the application form and sign it.
• Attach the required documents.
• Submit your application and required documents to the parental allowance office.

Required Documents

Here is the list of documents;

• Birth certificate of your child
• Income proof (bank or income statement, salary slip, job offer letter, or employment contract)
• Identification (passport, ID card, or driving licence)
• Maternity benefit
• Parental leave

Application Processing Time

Concerned office takes one month to check documents and process your application. After reviewing your application and documents, they will let you know if it is approved or rejected.

Parental Allowance in Different Scenarios

The amount for parental allowance can vary in different scenarios;

• Families with two or more children
• Parents with multiple births

Families with Two or More Children

In this case, you can have an additional 75 Euros or a 10% monthly bonus, whichever is higher and receive a sibling bonus if;

• One child is under three years old.
• One disabled child of age 14 years.
• Two children are under six years.

Parents with Multiple Births

If you have twins or triplets, parental allowance is more than 300 Euros for each child.

Calculation of Elterngeld without Income

To calculate the amount of parental allowance, an example taken from Familienportal.de is given here. 

Calculation of Elterngeld with Income

Bonus Payments (Partnership Bonus)

If you and your spouse work for two to four months consecutively for 24 to 32 hours per week, get four additional payments. If you are separate, apply for the bonus payments for two to four months.

Deduction

The German government will deduct the parental allowance from your supplementary child benefit or unemployment allowance.

Elterngeld Plus

If you need to return to your job sooner and do not need parental leave, apply for Elterngeld plus and divide your parental allowance to enjoy the benefit for 24 months instead of 12 months. In this case you must work 32 or fewer hours per week; otherwise, you will not receive the allowance.

Conclusion

The German government has a full focus on social programs to help German residents. Elterngeld is a good option to look after your newborn. The amount is 1800 Euros per month for up to 24 months. Being employed, you cannot work for more than 32 hours per week. Spend quality time with your newborn for 12 months without worrying about your job.