Elterngeld and ElterngeldPlus: A Comparison and the Best Option for Your Family

Which is better for your family: Elterngeld or ElterngeldPlus?

1. What is Elterngeld?
Elterngeld is a government benefit paid to parents after the birth of a child to compensate for part of the income they lose when taking leave to care for the baby.
It is granted for up to 12 months and can be extended to 14 months if both parents cooperate and share childcare (familienplanung.de, handbookgermany.de, reddit.com).
The amount ranges from €300 to €1,800 per month and is based on around 65% of the previous income (liveingermany.de).

2. What is ElterngeldPlus?
ElterngeldPlus is a longer and more flexible version of Elterngeld:

• Each month of Elterngeld can be converted into two months of ElterngeldPlus, each worth half the amount (familienplanung.de).

• It supports returning to part-time work up to 32 hours per week without reducing the benefit too heavily—unlike traditional Elterngeld, where additional earnings are deducted more directly.

• Both formats can be combined depending on the family’s situation (reddit.com).

3. When should you choose Elterngeld?

• If you want to take full leave to care for your child.

• If part-time work is not available or you prefer a complete break from work.

• If you need a higher monthly payment now.

Forms:
1–12 months, or up to 14 months if both parents share childcare (liveingermany.de, einfach-elterngeld.de).

4. When should you choose ElterngeldPlus?

• If you want to return to part-time work while receiving the benefit.

• If you need support for a longer period (up to 24–28 months).

• If you want the option of two extra months via the Partnerschaftsbonus when both parents work 24–32 hours per week for 4 months (bmfsfj.de).

5. Quick comparison

6. Who is eligible—and when?
Eligible are parents or custodial guardians who work less than 32 hours per week while receiving the benefit (reddit.com, familienportal.de, familienplanung.de, welt.de).
For couples, as of April 1, 2025, taxable income must be ≤ €175,000; for single parents, €150,000 (kietzee.com).
Those above these limits are not eligible.

7. Practical examples

• Both parents stop working after birth (no income):
  Elterngeld: 65% for up to 14 months.
  ElterngeldPlus: double the duration (up to 28 months) with lower monthly payments.

• A mother wants to work part-time (20 hrs/week):
  ElterngeldPlus maintains the reduced income better, with longer and steadier support.

• Possibility of 4 extra months via the Partnerschaftsbonus (elterngeld.de).

8. How do you apply?
Get the Elterngeld/ElterngeldPlus application form from the Jugendamt, the Familienkasse, or online.
Attach:

• the child’s birth certificate

• income documents before and after the birth

• information on working hours
  Feel free to use online calculators to estimate your entitlement (e.g. ).

9. Final tips

• If you plan to work part-time, ElterngeldPlus is usually the better option.

• If you want faster and higher payments, choose traditional Elterngeld.

• You can combine both formats within one overall benefit plan.

Conclusion:
The best choice depends on your work situation and how long you want to provide childcare.
12–14 months of full support? Elterngeld.
Longer, flexible support with part-time work? ElterngeldPlus + bonus.
Understanding these differences helps you choose what fits your family and start parenthood more balanced.

—
The website’s writing and editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, mistakes may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat the content as an initial reference and always consult the relevant authorities for verified information.