Which Elterngeld Type Is Best for You?

Answer this question: Do you plan to work while receiving Elterngeld?

No, staying home full-time → Basiselterngeld is usually best

Yes, part-time (under 32h/week) → ElterngeldPlus often pays more total

Yes, both parents part-time 24-32h → ElterngeldPlus + Partnerschaftsbonus

| Feature | Basiselterngeld | ElterngeldPlus | Partnerschaftsbonus | |---------|-----------------|----------------|---------------------| | Monthly amount | 65% (€300-€1,800) | 50% of Basis (€150-€900) | Same as Plus | | Duration | Max 14 months | Twice as long | 2-4 extra months | | Available until | Month 14 | Month 32 | Month 32 | | Best for | Full-time leave | Part-time work | Shared care |

Mom stays home for 12 months, dad takes 2 months.

Best choice: Basiselterngeld for both. You get the maximum monthly payment while you're fully home. No complicated calculations needed.

Total: 14 months Basiselterngeld

Mom is home full-time for 4 months, then returns to work 25h/week. Dad takes 2 months.

• Best choice:
• •Mom: 2 months Basiselterngeld (Mutterschutz) → then ElterngeldPlus (part-time period)
• •Dad: 2 months Basiselterngeld

Why? ElterngeldPlus during part-time often gives more total money than Basiselterngeld with income offset.

Both parents want to work 25-30 hours and share childcare equally.

• Best choice:
• •Both: ElterngeldPlus months → then 4 months Partnerschaftsbonus together

This maximizes your total months and rewards your shared approach with bonus months.