To get Elterngeld, you need to meet all four of these conditions. They apply to everyone – German citizens and foreigners alike.
No! This is one of the biggest misconceptions. Elterngeld isn't about citizenship – it's about whether you legally live and work in Germany.
If you have a work permit and pay into the German social system, you've likely earned the right to Elterngeld. EU citizens, Blue Card holders, and most other residence permits qualify.
For babies born from April 2024 onwards, there's an income threshold: If your combined household income exceeded €175,000 in the year before birth, you're not eligible for Elterngeld.
This is your total taxable income as a couple. If you're single, only your income counts.
Good news: You don't need a job to get Elterngeld. Students, homemakers, and unemployed parents all qualify – you'll receive at least the minimum amount of €300/month.
Studying also doesn't count toward your 32-hour work limit. You can study full-time and still receive Elterngeld.
You can receive Elterngeld if you: 1) Care for and raise your child yourself, 2) live with the child in the same household, 3) are not employed or work max. 32 hours per week, 4) live in Germany. It applies to employees, civil servants, self-employed, unemployed, and homemakers.
Yes, absolutely! Elterngeld is for both parents. Fathers can apply for the same benefits as mothers. In fact, it's advantageous if both parents take Elterngeld: You get 14 months together instead of 12 (the 2 additional 'partner months').
Yes, same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples. For registered partnerships or same-sex marriages, all rules about partner months and Partnerschaftsbonus apply. This also applies for adoptions or when one partner adopts the other's child.
Yes, you can get Elterngeld for adoption or pre-adoption foster care. The life months count from the day the child joins your household, not from birth. The child must be under 8 years old at placement. You need documentation from the youth welfare office or adoption agency.
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