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Data for Calculation

Average of the last 12 months before birth
Max 14 months (12 + 2 months partner)

Retirement Benefits

Base Parental Leave / Month
1.625,00 EUR
Replacement rate (exchange rate)
65.0%
Totale (12 mesi)
19.500,00 EUR

Comparison: Basis vs ElterngeldPlus

Parental Leave Allowance
Monthly Amount1.625,00 EUR
Duration12 mesi
Total19.500,00 EUR
Parental Leave Bonus
Monthly Amount812,50 EUR
Duration24 mesi
Total19.500,00 EUR

Part-time work during leave (up to 32 hours/week) is recommended. With the PartnerschaftsBonus, you can earn an additional 4 months for each parent if both parents work part-time (25-30 hours).

Come utilizzare Calcolatore Elterngeld 2026

Insert Net Income

Indicate average monthly net income for the 12 months prior to birth (or start of leave). Exclude thirteenth month and pay a lump sum.

Choose months of parental leave

Parental leave lasts up to 14 months (2 months if both parents claim it).

Compare Basis vs Plus

Parental Leave Allowance: 65-67% of net income, up to €1,800, up to 14 months. Parental Leave Plus: variable amount, double duration - convenient for part-time workers.

Verify your Partnership Bonus

If both parents work 25-30 hours/week together for at least 4 months, each receives an additional 4-month extension of ElterngeldPlus.

Suggerimenti

  • Request maternity leave within 3 months of birth: payment is retroactive and limited to 3 months.
  • Partnership Bonus guarantees an additional 4 months head of household if both work 25-30 hours/week simultaneously.
  • Single parents receive all 12 months (no reserved months for partners).
  • No parental leave is required for annual income above €300,000 (€150,000 for single parents) from 2024 onwards.

Domande frequenti

How much is Elterngeld worth in 2026?

Parental leave allowance is 65-67% of net pre-birth income. Minimum €300, maximum €1,800 per month. For very low incomes (less than €340/month), the minimum applies automatically.

What is ElterngeldPlus and when should you claim it?

ElterngeldPlus corresponds to the maximum of Basis-Elterngeld (up to €900), but lasts twice as long. It's convenient if you work part-time (up to 32 hours/week) during leave, as it allows you to integrate your income from work.

Who can claim Elterngeld?

All parents residing in Germany with children born after December 31, 2006. Includes biological, adoptive, and cohabiting partners. One or both can apply, but the maximum duration is 14 months if both apply (2 months of "paternity leave").

Does unemployment benefit reduce my earnings?

Yes. If you work during leave, your income is deducted from the reference income. Basis-Elterngeld allows up to 32 hours/week of work. ElterngeldPlus benefits are more advantageous if you work 25-30 hours for the PartnerschaftsBonus.