Elterngeld for Adoptive and Foster Parents

Adoptive parents and foster parents with long-term custody (Vollzeitpflege) are entitled to Elterngeld just like biological parents.

The underlying principle is the same: You're caring for a child, so you deserve support.

For biological parents, the 14 Basiselterngeld months start from birth. For adoptive and foster parents, they start from when the child is placed in your household.

This is the day the child physically comes to live with you, not the date of any court decision.

There's an age consideration: The child must be under 8 years old when they join your family for you to receive Elterngeld.

Also, Elterngeld is designed for caring for young children. If the child is older when placed, you may have fewer practical months to use before they outgrow the typical Elterngeld period.

Beyond the standard documents, you'll need:

• •Adoption documents or foster care placement decision
• •Confirmation of the date the child entered your household
• •Possibly additional documentation from youth welfare office (Jugendamt)

The Elterngeldstelle is familiar with adoption cases and can guide you through any specific requirements.