Elterngeld in Bavaria
Elterngeld is the same amount everywhere in Germany. What differs in Bavaria is where and how you apply. Both are summed up above, and below you work out how much you get.
Bavaria at a glance
- Online application
- elterngeld.bayern.de with your own account: upload documents, and according to the ZBFS sign digitally
- On paper
- Printable form at the ZBFS; both parents sign
- Money from the state
- No general cash benefit for births from 2025: no Familiengeld, no Krippengeld, no Kinderstartgeld
How much Elterngeld in Bavaria?
Exactly as much as everywhere else: 65 to 100% of the Elterngeld net income before the birth, at least €300 and at most €1,800 Basic Elterngeld a month, plus any sibling bonus or multiple-birth supplement. This is set by the federal Elterngeld act, not by the state. How much you get is worked out by the calculator above; the Elterngeld table gives an overview.
Where to apply?
In Bavaria the Bavarian Centre for Families and Social Affairs (ZBFS) is responsible, with a regional office in every administrative district. What counts is where your child lives when you apply. The ZBFS office finder shows the right one. You can also hand in the application at your municipality to meet the deadline.
Applying online
The online application runs on elterngeld.bayern.de, the ZBFS’s own system, not mein-elterngeldantrag.de. With an account you can fill it in up to 6 months before the due date, upload documents and, according to the ZBFS, sign digitally; you can only send it after the birth. Without an account you print the form and both parents sign.
Familiengeld, Krippengeld, Kinderstartgeld
For children born from 1 January 2025, Bavaria no longer pays Familiengeld or Krippengeld. The planned €3,000 Kinderstartgeld was not introduced by the state parliament in November 2025. So apart from Elterngeld, there is no general state cash benefit at the birth. In emergencies the state foundation “Hilfe für Mutter und Kind” helps, applied for through a pregnancy counselling centre before the birth.
Deadline and documents
The Elterngeld office only pays back for the 3 months of life before the month of life in which the application arrives. The last day and a checklist are in how to apply for Elterngeld, how to split the months in the split planner.
Common questions
Who pays Elterngeld in Bavaria?
The Bavarian Centre for Families and Social Affairs (ZBFS). Which regional office is responsible depends on where your child lives.
Can I apply for Elterngeld in Bavaria online?
Yes, at elterngeld.bayern.de. With a free account you can sign digitally; without one you print the form.
Is there still Familiengeld in Bavaria?
Only for children born before 2025. For births from 1 January 2025 there is no Familiengeld or Krippengeld, and the Kinderstartgeld was not introduced.
Is Elterngeld higher in Bavaria?
No. The amount is set by federal law and is the same in every state.
How long does processing take in Bavaria?
There is no official figure. Apply soon after the birth so the money arrives as early as possible.
All calculators
- Elterngeld calculatorNet income, replacement rate, Basic and Plus – step by step, with the law section.
- Elterngeld tableBasic and Plus for €500 to €3,000 net, at a glance.
- Basic or Plus?Basic against Plus with part-time work, based on your numbers.
- Part-time income with PlusHow much part-time work before Plus goes down?
- Maternity pay calculatorHow much money during maternity leave, and who pays it.
- Kindergeld calculatorHow much child benefit and until when: 18, 21 or 25.
- Kinderzuschlag calculatorUp to €297 per child on a low income, with the calculation.
- Elterngeld for civil servantsElterngeld from civil servant pay, without social contributions.
- Minijob and ElterngeldA minijob before the birth, and during Basic or Plus.
- Tax class: the ruleWhich tax class counts – and from when. No recommendation.
- Income limitAbove €175,000 there is no Elterngeld. Which year counts.
- Due date calculatorPregnancy week, due date and when maternity leave starts.
- Split planner for twoWho takes which month? Rules checked as you tap.
- How long is Elterngeld paid?How long Basic, Plus and the bonus can last, with dates.
- Months of life calculatorAll 32 months of life with dates, and which one is running now.
- Deadline calculatorEvery deadline from your due date, as a calendar file.
- How to apply for ElterngeldThe last day for your application (Antrag) and your documents.
- Maternity leave calculatorStart, end and money during maternity leave (Mutterschutz).
- Parental leave calculatorWhen to notify your employer, dismissal protection, how long.
- Annual leave during parental leaveHow many days of annual leave you keep each year, with the legal section.
- Partnership bonus24–32 hours, 2–4 months: does it fit, and how much?
- Elterngeld for fathersPartner months: how many, when, at the same time or after.
- Single parentsAll 14 months and the bonus for you alone.
- Advance maintenanceWhen no maintenance is paid: how much and how long.
- Twins and multiplesMultiple-birth supplement, maternity leave, Basic at the same time.
- Premature birthUp to 4 extra months of Basic, depending on weeks before the due date.
- Second childSibling bonus with its end date, and skipped months.
- Elterngeld in Baden-WürttembergL-Bank, online application with BundID and multiple-birth grant.
- Elterngeld in NRWLocal parental allowance office, online application, multiple-birth grant.
- Elterngeld in HesseRegional benefits office, online application signed with your ID.