formli AI logo formli AI
Back to Library
🇩🇪 Germany

Elterngeld Parental Allowance

Parental Leave Benefit Application

Hard ~45 min FamilyParental LeaveBenefitsChildren

/ What is this form?

Elterngeld (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz, BEEG) is Germany's parental benefit, replacing 65% of pre-birth net income for parents taking time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. The replacement rate increases to 100% for very low incomes. The minimum is €300/month and the maximum is €1,800/month, regardless of prior earnings.

Three variants exist: Basiselterngeld (14 months total shared between parents), ElterngeldPlus (double the months at half the rate, particularly useful for part-time returners), and the Partnerschaftsbonus (extra months when both parents work reduced hours simultaneously). The 14 months can be freely distributed between the two parents, but one parent alone can claim a maximum of 12 months — the other 2 months (Partnermonate/Vätermonate) are reserved for the other parent.

Since a 2024 reform, couples earning more than €200,000 combined annually are no longer eligible, and certain flexibilities in the ElterngeldPlus model were restricted. The form is state-specific — each Bundesland manages its own Elterngeldstelle and has a different application PDF, though the content is broadly standardized.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Parents of newborns or newly adopted children who were employed, self-employed, or in training before the birth
  • Stay-at-home parents who had no income — they receive the minimum of €300/month
  • Single parents who can claim up to 14 months alone (normally both parents share the 14 months)
  • EU and non-EU citizens with a valid residence permit living and working in Germany
  • Parents who adopt a child under 8 years old

/ What you need before you start

Child's birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) — applies for the child must be registered first
Steuer-IDs for both parents and the child
Last 12 months of pay slips before the birth month
Employment contract or proof of self-employment income (income/loss statements)
Certificate of Mutterschaftsgeld from your health insurer (if applicable)
Your German IBAN for payments
If taking leave: written Elternzeit declaration submitted to your employer

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Choose Your Elterngeld Variant
Decide between Basiselterngeld (up to 14 months, minimum €300, maximum €1,800/month), ElterngeldPlus (up to 28 months at half the Basiselterngeld rate), or a combination. Both parents together can claim — fathers (or second parent) receive 2 extra 'Vätermonate' (partner months) if they also take leave. The Partnerschaftsbonus gives additional months when both parents work 24-32 hours/week simultaneously.
2 Calculate Your Basis Income
Elterngeld is calculated from your average net income in the 12 months before the birth month (Bemessungszeitraum). Salary, self-employment income, and parental allowance from a previous child are included. Months with Mutterschaftsgeld, Krankengeld, or Elterngeld from a previous child are excluded from the 12-month period and replaced with earlier months.
3 Complete the Application Form
Each Bundesland has its own Elterngeld form and Elterngeldstelle. Download the PDF for your state from the state family portal. Enter personal data for both parents, child's birth data (Geburtsurkunde required), desired Elterngeld months, and income data. Attach: last 12 pay slips, birth certificate, and Steuer-IDs for both parents and child.
4 Submit to Your State's Elterngeldstelle
The Elterngeldstelle is part of the state welfare administration (Landesamt für Familie or similar). Submit the completed form with all attachments by post or in person. Some Bundesländer now accept online submissions via familienportal.de. Processing takes 4–8 weeks.
5 Receive Payments and Report Changes
Payments are made monthly once approved, beginning from the birth month or later if you choose. Report immediately if your income changes significantly (e.g., returning to work), as Elterngeld is reduced by earned income above the €300 minimum. Self-employed parents must submit a profit estimate and later a final reconciliation.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Bemessungszeitraum (Assessment Period) The 12 calendar months before the birth month are used to calculate your average net income. Indicate which months to include — months with Krankengeld, Mutterschaftsgeld, or Elterngeld from a previous child are excluded and replaced by earlier months. Including months with Mutterschaftsgeld in the calculation — these months are automatically excluded and replaced by earlier months, which often significantly increases the benefit amount.
Lebensmonate (Life Months) Specify which calendar months you claim as 'Elterngeld months' (up to 14 Basiselterngeld months, or up to 28 ElterngeldPlus months). You can claim from birth and choose specific months later if you plan partial return-to-work. Not coordinating with your partner on which months each parent claims — both cannot claim the same month simultaneously (with limited exceptions for the first 2 months after birth and the Partnerschaftsbonus).
Einkommen (Income) Your monthly net income for each of the 12 assessment months — gross minus tax, social insurance, and pension contributions. For self-employed: average monthly profit after deductions. Using gross income instead of net income — Elterngeld is calculated on net income after deductions. Using the gross amount significantly overstates the benefit.
Gleichzeitiger Bezug (Simultaneous Claim) If both parents want to receive Elterngeld at the same time (Partnerschaftsbonus), specify the months and the working hours each parent plans to work (must be 24-32 hours/week each). Claiming Partnerschaftsbonus without both parents actually working 24-32 hours/week — if actual hours differ, the bonus months must be repaid.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Applying after 3 months — Elterngeld can only be backdated 3 months from the application date, meaning late applications result in permanently lost months.
Not deducting Mutterschaftsgeld from the Elterngeld calculation — if you receive Mutterschaftsgeld (€13/day from statutory health insurance + employer top-up), this is offset against Elterngeld.
Forgetting to report part-time income while receiving Elterngeld — income above the Freibetrag reduces Elterngeld and must be reported monthly.
Self-employed parents submitting incorrect income estimates — the final reconciliation often results in repayment demands if actual income was higher than estimated.
Not submitting the Elternzeit declaration to your employer separately — Elterngeld (the money) and Elternzeit (the job-protected leave) are two separate procedures. Applying for Elterngeld does not automatically grant Elternzeit.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can fathers claim Elterngeld?

Yes — and it is specifically encouraged. Fathers (or the non-birth parent) receive 2 additional 'Partnermonate' on top of the 12 months the birth parent can claim, for a total of 14 months between the two parents. Both parents can claim simultaneously during the first 2 months.

What is the income cap for Elterngeld?

Since 2024, couples with a combined pre-birth gross income above €200,000/year are no longer eligible for Elterngeld. Single parents are ineligible above €150,000/year gross.

Can I receive Elterngeld if I was unemployed before the birth?

Yes — the minimum Elterngeld of €300/month is paid regardless of prior income, including to stay-at-home parents and the unemployed. This minimum is not means-tested but is set at the standard minimum rate.

Does Elterngeld count as income for tax purposes?

Elterngeld itself is tax-free. However, it is subject to Progressionsvorbehalt — it increases the tax rate applied to your other taxable income in the same year. If you return to work in the same year, expect a higher tax rate on your salary.