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Elterngeld calculator 2026

A few questions, then you see your Elterngeld net income step by step, the replacement rate and what Basic and Plus pay per month.

A reform is being discussed for births from November 2027. It has not been passed; this calculator uses the current BEEG. Status of the reform

Step 1 of 8

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

How the Elterngeld net income works

The starting point is your regular gross pay in the 12 months before the month of birth. Deducted are one twelfth of the employee lump sum, wage tax under the previous year’s official flowchart, solidarity surcharge, church tax and flat rates for social security. This is not the net pay on your payslip but a separate Elterngeld net income.

Basic and Plus

Basic Elterngeld (Basiselterngeld) replaces 65 to 100 percent of this net income, at least €300 and at most €1,800. ElterngeldPlus is at most half as much but runs twice as long. With part-time work after the birth, Plus can be almost as much as Basic.

Common questions

How much Elterngeld will I get?

Usually 67 percent of your Elterngeld net income before the birth; with a low income up to 100 percent, with a higher one 65 percent. At least €300, at most €1,800 Basic Elterngeld per month.

Why is the Elterngeld net income lower than my take-home pay?

Because the BEEG uses flat rates: tax under the previous year’s official flowchart and fixed rates for social security. One-off payments such as a Christmas bonus do not count.

Which months count?

The 12 calendar months before the month of birth. Months with maternity protection or Elterngeld for an older child are skipped.

What about the self-employed?

We do not calculate self-employed or mixed income yet; that comes in version 1.1. The Elterngeldstelle helps for free.

Does the calculator work for 2027?

Yes, for births under the current BEEG. For births in 2027 we use the 2026 wage tax flowchart, as the law says.

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