Elterngeld in Hesse
Elterngeld is the same amount everywhere in Germany. In Hesse you apply at the regional office for pensions and social affairs (Amt für Versorgung und Soziales). How that works is summed up above, and below you work out how much you get.
Hesse at a glance
- Online application
- elterngeld.hessen.de with your own account; sign electronically with the online ID function
- On paper
- Form from the Regierungspräsidium Gießen; birth certificate in the original
- Money from the state
- According to our research there is no state cash benefit at the birth (as of October 2026).
How much Elterngeld in Hesse?
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 Hesse one of the six offices for pensions and social affairs is responsible: Darmstadt, Frankfurt am Main, Fulda, Gießen, Kassel or Wiesbaden. What counts is where your child lives when you apply. The postcode search of the Regierungspräsidium Gießen shows which office.
Applying online
Online it works via elterngeld.hessen.de, the state’s own system. With an account you can fill it in up to 6 months before the due date; you can only send it after the birth. You still have to sign: electronically with the online ID function or on a printout, which you can also have sent to you.
Original documents
On paper you send the application and the birth certificate in the original. Exception: you apply online and sign electronically, both parents or, as a single parent, you alone.
How long does it take?
The state speaks of several weeks. Applications are processed in order of arrival, online or on paper alike. So apply soon after 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 Hesse?
One of the six Hessian offices for pensions and social affairs, depending on where your child lives.
Can I apply for Elterngeld in Hesse online?
Yes, at elterngeld.hessen.de. You still have to sign, electronically with the online ID function or on paper.
Do I have to send the original birth certificate?
On paper, yes. Only if you apply online and sign electronically (both parents, or you alone as a single parent) does it work without the original.
How long does processing take in Hesse?
The state says several weeks, without an exact figure.
Is Elterngeld higher in Hesse?
No. The amount is set by federal law and is the same in every state.
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 BavariaZBFS, online application and what happened to Familiengeld.
- Elterngeld in Baden-WürttembergL-Bank, online application with BundID and multiple-birth grant.
- Elterngeld in NRWLocal parental allowance office, online application, multiple-birth grant.