Is ElterngeldPlus worth it?
One Basic month can be swapped for two Plus months. What that means for you depends mostly on part-time work. Here you see both side by side.
Why part-time work makes the difference
With income after the birth, only the difference to your net income before counts. Basic then drops a lot and Plus less, because Plus is at most half of Basic without income anyway. Without part-time work, two Plus months usually come to the same as one Basic month.
No verdict
We only show the numbers based on your answers. Whether Plus suits you also depends on childcare, work and how long you want Elterngeld.
Common questions
What is ElterngeldPlus?
Plus is at most half of Basic Elterngeld but runs twice as long: one Basic month becomes two Plus months.
When does Plus pay more than Basic?
Mainly when you work part-time after the birth. Then Basic is cut a lot, Plus less.
Can I mix Basic and Plus?
Yes. Many take Basic at first and Plus later. Basic runs up to month of life 14, Plus up to 32.
All calculators
- Elterngeld calculatorNet income, replacement rate, Basic and Plus – step by step, with the law section.
- Split planner for twoWho takes which month? Rules checked as you tap.
- Deadline calculatorEvery deadline from your due date, as a calendar file.
- Partnership bonus24–32 hours, 2–4 months: does it fit, and how much?
- Second childSibling bonus with its end date, and skipped months.
- Minijob and ElterngeldA minijob before the birth, and during Basic or Plus.
- Tax class: the ruleWhich tax class counts – and from when. No recommendation.