TOOL
Elterngeld Calculator 2026: German Parental Allowance
Elterngeld replaces 65–100% of your pre-birth net income — between €300 and €1,800 per month. Calculate your amount for Basis and Plus variants, including the sibling bonus and twins supplement.
Your Elterngeld (monthly)
- Replacement rate
- —
- Base amount
- —
- Sibling bonus (+10%, min. €75)
- —
- Multiple-birth supplement
- —
- Total per month
- —
💡 Basiselterngeld: up to 12 months for one parent + 2 partner months (14 max). Plus: twice as long at half the amount.
⚠️ You qualify only if the family’s taxable income (zvE) in the year before the birth was at most €175,000.
Calculated per § 2 BEEG for births from 1 January 2026. Simplifications: the authority computes a standardised “Elterngeld net” that can differ slightly from your payslip net; part-time income during receipt, the partnership bonus and Basis/Plus combinations are not modelled. The Elterngeldstelle makes the binding decision. Not legal advice.
✓ Data verified on: 16 July 2026
All rates and thresholds follow the official figures published by the authorities:
No data is collected — everything runs in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
Which income is Elterngeld based on?
The average net income of the 12 calendar months before the birth month (for employees; for the self-employed, the last completed tax year). The authority uses a standardised “Elterngeld net”, which can differ slightly from your actual payslip.
Why 65% and not 67%?
The standard rate is 65%. With net income of €1,000–1,200 it is 67%, and below €1,000 it rises by 0.1 points per €2 — up to 100% for very low incomes. Above €1,240 it is always 65%.
Basiselterngeld or ElterngeldPlus?
Basis: more money now (up to 14 months for both parents). Plus: half the amount for twice as long — and better if you work part-time while receiving it, because extra earnings reduce Plus much less. You can combine both month by month.
Do I get Elterngeld with no income before the birth?
Yes — the minimum €300 per month (Plus: €150) also goes to students, stay-at-home parents and recent arrivals. Requirements: residence in Germany, a qualifying residence permit, and caring for the child yourself.
Does it apply to foreigners?
Yes, with lawful residence: EU citizens almost always; Blue Card holders and most residence permits allowing work, too. Some permits (e.g. for studying) do not qualify — check § 1 BEEG or ask the Elterngeldstelle.
Can I work while receiving Elterngeld?
Yes, up to 32 hours per week. But income during the receipt period reduces the benefit: strongly for Basis, much more gently for Plus — which is why Plus almost always wins for part-time workers.
Are Kindergeld and Elterngeld different benefits?
Yes, and you can receive both: Kindergeld (€255 per month in 2026) is paid per child until adulthood; Elterngeld supports parents during the first months. Applications go to different authorities.