Elterngeld Document Checklist: Everything You Need

Elterngeld Helper·Updated January 2025

Key takeaways

•Birth certificate is essential – you can't submit without it
•Employed parents need 12 months of payslips
•Self-employed parents need their tax return

Next steps

•Start your application — Apply now
•Find your local office — Where to apply

Everyone needs these

Birth certificate of your child (Geburtsurkunde) – the original or certified copy
ID card or passport – copy for both parents
Meldebescheinigung – proof of residence registration
Tax ID (Steuer-ID) – for you, your partner, and your child
Health insurance confirmation

Employed parents

Last 12 payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen) – from before birth
Employer confirmation (Arbeitgeberbescheinigung) – stating your planned work hours during Elterngeld
Proof of parental leave (Elternzeit) approval from employer

Self-employed parents

Tax return (Einkommensteuerbescheid) – usually the most recent
Business registration (Gewerbeanmeldung) if applicable
Estimate of expected income during Elterngeld months

Non-German citizens

Residence permit copy (front and back)
Work permit if separate from residence permit
Blue Card holders: just the Blue Card copy

Special situations

Additional documents may be needed if you:

•Are a single parent (proof of single status)
•Have other young children (birth certificates for sibling bonus)
•Had pregnancy complications (medical documentation)
•Receive Mutterschaftsgeld (confirmation from health insurance)

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for the application?

Important documents: 1) Child's birth certificate (original, special version for Elterngeld), 2) Pay slips from 12 months before birth, 3) Mutterschaftsgeld certificate, 4) Employer certificate about Mutterschaftsgeld supplement, 5) For foreigners: Copy of residence permit, 6) For self-employed: Tax assessment.

Does my partner also need to sign the application?

Yes, both parents must sign the application – even if only one applies for Elterngeld. Exception: Single parents who checked a reason in section 2.a of the application (e.g., other parent doesn't live with the child and you have tax class II).

Do I need a tax ID for the Elterngeld application?

Yes, you must provide your tax identification number (Steuer-ID) in the application. Everyone in Germany automatically receives a Steuer-ID. You can find it on your income tax assessment, wage tax certificate, or the letter 'Assignment of Identification Number' from the Federal Central Tax Office.

Application process When to apply

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