When you work during Elterngeld, your payment is calculated differently. Instead of being based purely on your pre-birth income, it's now based on the difference between what you used to earn and what you're currently earning.
Simplified: Elterngeld = 65% × (old income - new income)
Maria earned €3,000/month before birth. She decides to work part-time earning €1,500/month while on Elterngeld.
Without working: 65% × €3,000 = €1,950 (capped at €1,800)
With part-time work: 65% × (€3,000 - €1,500) = 65% × €1,500 = €975
So Maria gets €975 Elterngeld + €1,500 salary = €2,475 total
This is more than the €1,800 she'd get staying home full-time!
The math might seem discouraging at first – your Elterngeld drops significantly. But add up what you actually take home:
Full-time at home: €1,800 (Elterngeld only) Part-time working: €975 + €1,500 = €2,475
Even with reduced Elterngeld, most parents are financially better off working part-time. You're not 'losing' Elterngeld by working – you're trading some Elterngeld for salary.
With ElterngeldPlus, the reduction calculation works in your favor. Without getting into complex math: ElterngeldPlus often gives you more total money than Basiselterngeld when you have income.
If you're planning to work part-time, seriously consider ElterngeldPlus.
Your income during the benefit period reduces Elterngeld, but you still have more money overall. Formula: (Income before birth - Income during benefit) x 65%. Example: €3,000 before, €1,500 during → (3,000-1,500) x 65% = €975 Elterngeld + €1,500 salary = €2,475 instead of just €1,950 Elterngeld.
Yes, you can work part-time – maximum 32 hours per week. If you work more, you lose your Elterngeld entitlement. Income during the benefit period is offset and reduces your Elterngeld. Studies or training have no hour limit.
Vacation days and sick days don't reduce your weekly working time – they're calculated as if you worked. Caution with paid vacation during Elterngeld: Vacation pay counts as income and is offset. It can even result in receiving no Elterngeld for that month.
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