How to Split Elterngeld Months Between Parents

Together, both parents have 14 Basiselterngeld months to share. This is your 'budget'. How you divide it is up to you, with a few rules:

• •One parent alone can take maximum 12 months
• •To unlock months 13 + 14, the other parent must take at least 2 months
• •Minimum if claiming: 2 months per parent

The 'traditional' split (12+2): Mom takes 12 months, dad takes 2 months. This unlocks all 14 months while one parent takes most of the leave.

The 'equal' split (7+7): Both parents take 7 months each. Often done consecutively (mom first, then dad).

The 'overlap' approach: Both parents take leave at the same time for some period. Great for the early weeks when you both want to be home.

Remember: ElterngeldPlus months count as half toward your 14-month budget. This gives you more flexibility:

1 month Basiselterngeld = 2 months ElterngeldPlus

• So you could do something like:
• •Mom: 6 months Basiselterngeld + 16 months ElterngeldPlus (= 6 + 8 = 14 months worth)
• •Dad: 2 months Basiselterngeld + 4 months ElterngeldPlus (= 2 + 2 = 4 months worth)

Wait, that's more than 14? Yes – because Plus stretches the same 'budget' over more time.

Both parents can receive Elterngeld during the same months. This is common:

• •Right after birth (both parents home together)
• •During Partnerschaftsbonus (required to overlap)
• •Any time you both want/need to be home

Just remember: Simultaneous months still count from your budget. 1 month where both parents take Basiselterngeld = 2 months of your 14-month budget used.