🍼 Elterngeld 2026

Elterngeld is parental benefit paid by the state after the birth of a child. It amounts to 65-67% of Netto income before birth, min. €300, max. €1,800 per month.

Netto income before birth (average of 12 months before maternity leave)

Elterngeld type

Basiselterngeld ElterngeldPlus

Partner also takes min. 2 months (partner bonus)

Total household income per year (Brutto) (to check the €175,000 limit)

⚠ Note: from April 2025, Elterngeld is not available to persons with a combined income exceeding €175,000 Brutto per year (applies to couples and singles).

Replacement rate 65%

Monthly 1 625 €

Duration 12 mies.

Total 19 500 €

💡 How does the 65-67% rate work?

Netto < €1,000: rate 67%. Netto > €1,240: rate 65%. Between €1,000-1,240: rate decreases linearly from 67% to 65%. The minimum is always €300 (Basis) or €150 (Plus), even if you do not work.

🕑 Basis vs Plus

Basiselterngeld: max. 12 months (+ 2 months partner bonus = 14 months) — full benefit.
ElterngeldPlus: max. 24 months (+ 4 months bonus = 28 months) — half the amount but twice as long. Can be combined with part-time work.

⚠ Approximate result based on BEEG regulations effective in 2026. This does not constitute legal advice. Elterngeldstelle.