Elterngeld Calculator 2026

Elterngeld is based on Elterngeld-Netto — a special net income calculated from gross minus flat-rate deductions (tax, social insurance). The replacement rate ranges from 65% to 100%, depending on income. Minimum: €300/month, maximum: €1,800/month (basic Elterngeld).

Basic Elterngeld pays up to €1,800/month for max. 14 months. ElterngeldPlus pays half (max. €900) for double the duration. ElterngeldPlus is especially worthwhile when working part-time during parental leave.

A total of 14 months of basic Elterngeld for both parents combined (max. 12 per person, min. 2 'partner months'). Single parents can claim all 14 months alone. With ElterngeldPlus, the duration doubles.

Yes, often! If the parent receiving Elterngeld switches to tax class III, the Elterngeld-Netto and thus the Elterngeld increases. The switch must happen at least 7 months before birth to be considered in the calculation.

Yes! You can work up to 32 hours/week and still receive Elterngeld. The benefit is then calculated based on the difference between pre-birth net income and part-time net income.

The minimum Elterngeld is €300/month (basic) or €150/month (ElterngeldPlus). It is paid even if you had no income before birth — e.g., students or homemakers.

If you have a child under 3 or two children under 6, you receive a sibling bonus: +10% of Elterngeld, at least +€75 (basic) or +€37.50 (Plus) per month.

Yes, both parents can receive Elterngeld at the same time. However, simultaneous months are deducted from the total 14 months. The partnership bonus (4 extra months each) requires both to work 24-32 hours/week.

Since 2025: Couples with taxable income above €200,000 and single parents above €150,000 are no longer eligible for Elterngeld. Previously, the limit was €300,000 (couples) and €250,000 (single parents).

Elterngeld can only be applied for after birth, but is paid retroactively for up to 3 months before the application month. Tip: Apply as early as possible after birth, ideally within the first 3 months.