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How to apply for Elterngeld

By when must your application (Antrag) arrive, and what goes with it? Enter your due date to see the last day and a checklist.

Step 1 of 3

If your baby is already here, use the date of birth.

How the application works, step by step

  1. Get the birth certificateAfter the birth at the registry office (Standesamt). There is usually a separate copy for Elterngeld.
  2. Request certificatesThe health insurer certifies maternity pay, the employer the top-up. Have the payslips of the 12 months before the birth ready.
  3. Decide the splitIn the form you choose Basic Elterngeld, ElterngeldPlus or partnership bonus for each month of life. You can still change the split later.
  4. Fill in the formOnline through ElterngeldDigital or your state’s own system, or on paper. Each parent who wants Elterngeld applies for it.
  5. SubmitTo the Elterngeld office (Elterngeldstelle) of your state or district, in good time before the last day. At most 3 months of life are paid backdated.
  6. After the paymentsIf you worked during Elterngeld months, you send your actual income afterwards. The Elterngeld office advises for free.

The most important deadline

Elterngeld is paid backdated only for the 3 months of life before the month your application arrives. You can apply from the birth. If you want Elterngeld from the first month of life, your application must reach the Elterngeld office in the fourth month of life at the latest.

We do not apply for you

Storchplan does not fill in applications and does not look at decisions. We show the rules and deadlines based on what you entered. The Elterngeld office advises for free.

Common questions

When do I have to apply for Elterngeld?

Elterngeld is paid backdated only for 3 months of life before the month your application arrives. For Elterngeld from the first month of life it must arrive in the fourth month of life at the latest.

Which documents do I need?

Always the birth certificate for Elterngeld. Depending on your situation also the payslips or civil service pay statements of the 12 months before the birth, the certificates of maternity pay and top-up, and the last tax assessment. Your state’s form says exactly what is required.

Can I apply for Elterngeld online?

In many states through ElterngeldDigital, in some through the state’s own system. Paper works everywhere. Which way applies to you is on the federal Familienportal.

Where do I apply?

At the Elterngeld office (Elterngeldstelle) of your federal state or district, depending on where you live.

Can we change the split later?

Yes, until the payments end, backdated for at most 3 months of life.

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