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Geschwisterbonus in Germany: Full Guide for 2025
In Germany, the Geschwisterbonus (sibling bonus) is paid as an additional amount on top of Elterngeld (parental allowance) for families who already have other young children living in the household. Below is a complete overview for 2025.
What is the Geschwisterbonus?
The Geschwisterbonus is a 10% top-up on the regular Basic Elterngeld (Basiselterngeld) or ElterngeldPlus.
It is granted to families where, in addition to the newborn child, other young children live in the same household.
Eligibility criteria
You can receive the Geschwisterbonus if the new child lives in the same household as:
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at least one other child under the age of 3, or
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two or more children under the age of 6, or
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at least one child under the age of 14 with a recognised disability (degree of disability of at least 20).
The age is calculated based on the date of birth of the oldest child that counts for the bonus.
Eligibility is checked on a month-by-month basis.
Amount of the Geschwisterbonus
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10% of the parental allowance you are entitled to (Basiselterngeld or ElterngeldPlus).
With the following minimum and maximum limits:
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Minimum amount:
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75 € per month with Basiselterngeld
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37.50 € per month with ElterngeldPlus
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Maximum amount:
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180 € per month with Basiselterngeld
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90 € per month with ElterngeldPlus
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Examples
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If your basic Elterngeld is 1,200 €, the Geschwisterbonus amounts to 120 € (10%) on top.
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If your basic Elterngeld is 600 €, 10% would be 60 €, but because of the minimum limit, you receive 75 € as Geschwisterbonus.
Duration of payment
The Geschwisterbonus is paid as long as at least one of the following conditions is met:
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there is at least one child under the age of 3 living in the household, or
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there are at least two children under the age of 6 living in the household, or
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there is at least one child with a recognised disability under the age of 14 living in the household.
Eligibility is reviewed monthly. The bonus stops automatically once the conditions are no longer fulfilled.
How to apply
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You do not need a separate application for the Geschwisterbonus; it is included in the standard Elterngeld application.
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It is advisable to submit your application as soon as possible after the birth, since Elterngeld is usually only paid retroactively for the last three months before the application is received.
Helpful tools
You can use an Elterngeld calculator to estimate your exact entitlement, including the Geschwisterbonus.
By entering your income, the chosen benefit type (Basiselterngeld / ElterngeldPlus) and the number and ages of your children, you receive an individual orientation.
The editorial team of this website aims to provide accurate information based on extensive research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, please treat the contents of this article as an initial point of reference and always contact the competent authorities and official bodies for binding and up-to-date information.
