Parental allowance (Elterngeld)
Income replacement for parents who reduce work to care for a newborn — usually 65–67% of net pay.
Verified as of 2026-06-13 · Official source
Typical value
Usually 65–67% of your previous net income, between €300 and €1,800 per month.
Official calculatorAbout this benefit
Elterngeld supports parents in the months after a child is born, while they step back from work to provide care. Basiselterngeld is paid for up to 12 months (14 if both parents take time), and ElterngeldPlus stretches the payments over a longer part-time period. The amount replaces a share of the income you lose. There is an income ceiling above which the benefit is not paid. This page explains the benefit; it does not assess your individual entitlement.
You may be eligible if
- You care for your newborn or newly adopted child yourself and live with them.
- You work no more than 32 hours per week during the period you claim.
- Your taxable income is below the legal ceiling (currently €175,000 for the household).
- It is time-limited to the months around the birth — apply as soon as you can.
Official sources
Change log
- 2026-06-12 — Initial publication.
- 2026-06-13 — Moved source from the renamed BMFSFJ domain to the stable familienportal.de page; re-verified.
Information, not legal or tax advice. Always check the official source for your case.