Elterngeld (parental allowance) is a state income-replacement benefit for parents who care for their newborn themselves and therefore do not work or work less (BEEG). Basiselterngeld generally replaces about 65% of the net income lost, at least €300 and at most €1,800 per month, spread over up to 14 months between the parents. ElterngeldPlus and the Partnerschaftsbonus add flexibility. Since 2025/2026 a fixed income limit applies: no entitlement if taxable income exceeds €175,000 per year. Elterngeld is a cash benefit and should not be confused with Elternzeit (leave from work).
At a glance
- Basiselterngeld generally replaces around 65% of the net income that is lost
- The range is between €300 and €1,800 per month
- Basiselterngeld is available for up to 14 months, which parents can split (partner months / Partnermonate)
- ElterngeldPlus and the Partnerschaftsbonus support combining part-time work with childcare
- Since 2025/2026 a fixed income limit applies: no entitlement if taxable income (zu versteuerndes Einkommen) exceeds €175,000 per year
- Elterngeld is a cash benefit and should not be confused with Elternzeit (leave from the employment relationship)
Types of Elterngeld
- Basiselterngeld: at most 14 months for both parents combined, one parent at most 12 months, the additional two months only if the other parent also takes part
- ElterngeldPlus: a longer payment period at a lower monthly amount, useful especially when working part-time during receipt
- Partnerschaftsbonus: extra months when both parents work part-time in parallel within a set hours range
FAQ
How much is Elterngeld?
Basiselterngeld is generally about 65% of the net income lost before birth, at least €300 and at most €1,800 per month. For low incomes the replacement rate is higher.
What is the income limit in 2026?
From 2026 the entitlement ends if taxable income (zu versteuerndes Einkommen) exceeds €175,000 per year; the limit applies equally to couples and single parents. The relevant figure is the taxable income of the calendar year before the birth. It is a hard cut-off, not an allowance.
What is the difference between Elterngeld and Elternzeit?
Elterngeld is the cash benefit; Elternzeit is unpaid leave from the employment relationship. They can overlap but are legally separate and applied for separately.
Where is Elterngeld applied for?
At the responsible Elterngeldstelle of the federal state, usually in writing after the birth. Elterngeld is paid retroactively for at most three months of life before the month of application.
Last updated: August 2026
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
