Elterngeld Calculator – German Parental Allowance (2026)
Elterngeld (parental allowance) replaces 65–67 % of your average net income from the 12 months before birth — at least €300 and at most €1,800 per month, paid for 12–14 months, as of 2026. Low earners below €1,000 net receive up to 100 %. Enter your net income to see your monthly amount.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Amounts are shown in German number format (1.800,00 € = €1,800). You can type a comma as decimal separator.
Simplified estimate, as of 2026 — not financial or legal advice. The authority uses its own "Elterngeld net income", which differs slightly from your payslip net. Only the written decision of the Elterngeldstelle is binding.
What is Elterngeld?
Elterngeld (parental allowance) is Germany's state benefit for parents who reduce or pause work after having a baby. It is not tied to citizenship: anyone who lives in Germany, cares for the child themselves and works no more than 32 hours a week during the benefit period can receive it. The basic version (Basiselterngeld) runs for 12 months — 14 if both partners take at least 2 months each.
How is it calculated?
The basis is your average net income from employment in the 12 months before the birth (for mothers: before the maternity protection period). Basic Elterngeld replaces 65–67 % of that amount; below €1,000 net the rate gradually rises to as much as 100 %.
Net < €1,000: 67 % + 0.1 points per €2 below (max. 100 %)
Minimum €300 · Maximum €1,800 · Sibling bonus +10 % (min. €75) · +€300 per additional multiple
| Average monthly net income | Replacement rate |
|---|---|
| below €1,000 | 67 % up to 100 % (rises €2-stepwise) |
| €1,000 – €1,200 | 67 % |
| €1,200 – €1,240 | sliding from 67 % down to 65 % |
| €1,240 and above | 65 % (capped at €1,800/month) |
Basiselterngeld or ElterngeldPlus?
ElterngeldPlus pays half the monthly amount for twice as many months. If you plan to work part-time during parental leave, ElterngeldPlus usually leaves you with more money overall, because part-time earnings reduce basic Elterngeld directly. Note the income limit: households with more than €175,000 taxable income in the year before the birth are not eligible at all (as of 2026).
How to apply
You apply after the birth at the Elterngeldstelle (parental allowance office) of your federal state — many states accept the online application via ElterngeldDigital. Apply within the first 3 months: payments are only made retroactively for up to 3 months. You will need the birth certificate, proof of income and, for non-EU citizens, your residence permit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Elterngeld in Germany?
Basic Elterngeld (Basiselterngeld) replaces 65–67 % of your average net income from the 12 months before the birth — at least €300 and at most €1,800 per month. If your net income was below €1,000, the replacement rate rises step by step up to 100 %. A sibling bonus adds 10 % (at least €75) if a child under 3 lives in your household.
How long is Elterngeld paid?
Basic Elterngeld runs for 12 months, or 14 months in total if both partners take at least 2 months each. ElterngeldPlus halves the monthly amount but doubles the payment period — a good fit if you work part-time during parental leave.
Is there an income limit for Elterngeld?
Yes. Couples and single parents with more than €175,000 of taxable annual income in the year before the birth are not eligible (as of 2026, for births from April 2025).
Can I work while receiving Elterngeld?
Yes, up to 32 hours per week. With basic Elterngeld your part-time income is offset against the benefit, so ElterngeldPlus is often the better deal: it treats extra earnings more favourably and runs twice as long.
Can foreigners and expats get Elterngeld?
Yes — eligibility does not depend on German citizenship. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who live and work in Germany generally qualify. Non-EU citizens qualify if they hold a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit that allows them to work in Germany. You apply at the Elterngeldstelle (parental allowance office) of your federal state.
More German calculators in English
- Maternity Pay Calculator (Mutterschaftsgeld) — your income during the protection period before and after birth
- Unemployment Benefit Calculator (Arbeitslosengeld I)
- Sickness Benefit Calculator (Krankengeld)
- Gross-Net Salary Calculator (Brutto-Netto)
- All calculators on RechnerMeister.de (German)