Hamburg · Elterngeld
Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Hamburg
Elterngeld replaces part of your income while you take time off after a birth in Hamburg. 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).
What you need to bring
- Birth certificate — the 'für Elterngeld' copyRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
The Standesamt issues this special copy
How to get it: For a child born in Germany: the Standesamt of the birthplace issues it (the hospital sends the paperwork). For Elterngeld, ask for the special 'für Elterngeld' copy. Foreign certificates may need a certified translation.
- Payslips of the last 12 monthsRequired
How to get it: Monthly from your employer (often via an HR portal). Offices typically ask for the last 3 months — download them as PDFs.
- Health insurance confirmationRequired
How to get it: Request a membership certificate (Mitgliedsbescheinigung / Versicherungsbescheinigung) from your insurer — most issue it instantly in their app or by email.
- Employer confirmation of parental leaveRequired
- Passport or ID of both parentsRequired
📋 Bring the original, not a copy
How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.
- Application form (often via ElterngeldDigital)Required
Can you do it online?
Elterngeld runs on state portals — we open your Bundesland's where we have it.
Open the official portal ↗What usually comes next
Good to know
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for Elterngeld in Hamburg?
You'll need 6 key documents: Birth certificate — the 'für Elterngeld' copy, Payslips of the last 12 months, Health insurance confirmation, Employer confirmation of parental leave, Passport or ID of both parents, Application form (often via ElterngeldDigital). Hamburg runs most services through its central hamburg.de portal, which often lets you start online.
Can I do Elterngeld online in Hamburg?
Elterngeld runs on state portals — we open your Bundesland's where we have it.
Which office handles Elterngeld in Hamburg?
Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) in Hamburg is handled at the local level in Hamburg. The exact office and any forms are linked from the official source on this page, and the Amtly app opens the right Hamburg / Hamburg portal for you.
Checklist last verified 2026-06-11. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.