Filling In the Elterngeld Application in Germany

Elterngeld, parental allowance, is paid after a birth to make up for the income a parent gives up while caring for the child. It is one of the most detail-sensitive applications there is: a mistake in an income field or in how the months are divided can change the amount substantially.

It is not the same as Elternzeit, parental leave, which is requested from your employer — the two are frequently confused.

Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus — what is the difference?

The basic form pays a higher amount over fewer months. ElterngeldPlus stretches the period out at a lower monthly amount and suits parents working part-time while caring. The choice between them is made in the application itself, which is why it deserves thought before you fill it in rather than after.

What the video explains

• Who may claim and where the application goes
• The practical difference between Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus
• Entering the personal details and the child’s details
• The income fields before and after the birth — the most delicate part of the form
• Choosing the entitlement months and splitting them between both parents
• The mistakes that delay approval

The official form and the responsible office

The responsible office is the Elterngeldstelle in your federal state, and the form differs between states. An official digital assistant, ElterngeldDigital, walks you through the application and covers Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia. Please note: the site itself states that new applications now go through the successor portal mein-elterngeldantrag.de, while existing applications are completed where they were started. Begin at the page below and it will point you to the right portal for your state:

• ElterngeldDigital — the official digital application assistant

Common mistakes that delay a case

• Confusing Elterngeld with Elternzeit — one comes from the state, the other from your employer
• Entering the income of the wrong months before the birth
• Splitting the months between parents without coordinating with each other
• Applying late; backdating is limited to a small number of months
• Sending the application without the birth certificate or proof of income

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Elterngeld and Elternzeit?
Elterngeld is money from the state, applied for at the Elterngeldstelle. Elternzeit is leave from work, requested from your employer. They are usually used together, but they are separate applications to different bodies.

When should I apply?
As soon as possible after the birth. Backdated payment is limited to a few months, so delay is a real loss.

Can I apply digitally?
Yes, in a growing number of states through ElterngeldDigital. Check the link above to see whether your state is covered.

May I work while receiving it?
Within limits, and usually in the ElterngeldPlus form. The conditions are set by your Elterngeldstelle.

Please note: Amounts, periods and conditions are governed by the BEEG and change over time. The decision of your Elterngeldstelle is what binds.

Watch the video

The video is on the OK+ channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9jGB7GHbhk

Also on OK+

• Basic child benefit – Kindergeld
• The Kinderzuschlag application
• Family health insurance – Familienversicherung

A tool that shortens the road

The OK Plus DE app gathers German administrative calculators and form templates in one place, free, ad-free, in seven languages. Android and iPhone, from the same page:
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