Parental allowance

The eligibility requirements for parental allowance are regulated by the

Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz, BEEG).

The parent receiving parental allowance may not work more than 32 hours per week.

Parental allowance is designed as an income replacement benefit: employed parents who interrupt their professional activity or reduce their working hours to a maximum of 32 hours per week receive parental allowance amounting to 65% of their average lost net income. The allowance ranges from a minimum of €300 to a maximum of €1,800. The minimum amount of €300 is paid regardless of whether the recipients were employed or not (applicable to students, homemakers, and low-income earners)

One parent can apply for parental allowance for a maximum of 12 months. Parents of premature children are entitled to additional months of parental allowance. Furthermore, it is possible to receive two additional months if the other parent also takes parental leave (partner months). The 14 months can be freely divided between the partners.

Months during which full maternity pay is received are excluded from parental allowance.

However, as a parent couple, you can only receive basic parental allowance simultaneously for a maximum of one month within the child’s first 12 months. In the 13th and 14th months, simultaneous receipt of basic parental allowance is not permitted.

Both parents can also receive the monthly allowance at the same time or opt to receive half-monthly amounts each month (Elterngeld Plus). In this case, the number of payout months is halved or doubled accordingly. Employment must be at least 15 hours per week and may not exceed 32 hours per week.

For single parents and for parents whose partner is objectively unable to take parental leave, parental allowance is granted for the full 14 months to compensate for lost income.

Note for Employees: The period during which parental allowance is payable is reduced by the duration of maternity pay received after the birth of the child or children.

If both parents—mother and father—choose to work 24 to 32 hours per week and thereby share time with their child, they are eligible for an additional partnership bonus in the form of at least two and up to four extra parental allowance plus months.