Minijob While on Elterngeld: What to Know

Having a Minijob (up to €520/month) while receiving Elterngeld is completely legal. Many parents keep a small job for extra income or to stay connected to their workplace.

Here's what many people miss: Your Minijob hours count toward the 32-hour weekly limit.

• If you have:
• •A part-time main job: 20 hours/week
• •A Minijob: 15 hours/week
• •Total: 35 hours/week → Over the limit!

Even though €520/month seems small, the hours can push you over. Make sure your combined hours stay under 32.

Any income during Elterngeld – including Minijob income – reduces your payment. The €520 from a Minijob will lower your Elterngeld by roughly €338 (65% of €520).

You still come out ahead financially, but it's not €520 'free money' on top of your Elterngeld.

If you had a Minijob before birth, that income is included in your Elterngeld calculation – it increases your base payment.

If you start a Minijob during Elterngeld, it reduces your payment.

So a Minijob you had before birth is better for your Elterngeld than one you start after.