Germany · Elterngeld

Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Germany

Elterngeld replaces part of your income while you take time off after a birth in Germany. It's separate from Kindergeld and is handled by your Bundesland's Elterngeldstelle — several states have an online portal (ElterngeldDigital).

65–100% of net income, ~€300–1,800/month. Apply within 3 months of birth (backdated max 3 months).

Good to know — wherever you live

  • Apply within three months of the birth — it's only backdated up to three months, so don't wait.
  • You'll need the special 'für Elterngeld' birth certificate copy from the Standesamt, plus 12 months of payslips.
  • Basis- vs ElterngeldPlus changes how long and how much you receive — model both before choosing.
  • Both parents can split the months; reserve the two partner months so you don't lose them.

Now pick your city

The office, booking portal and local quirks differ from city to city — your city's guide has the exact steps, documents and booking link.

BerlinMunichHamburgFrankfurtCologneDüsseldorfStuttgartLeipzigDortmundEssenBremenDresdenHannoverNurembergBonnMannheimKarlsruheMünsterAachenMainzAugsburgWiesbadenBielefeldBochumWuppertalFreiburgHeidelbergDarmstadtRegensburgWürzburgKielLübeckPotsdamSaarbrücken

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