ElterngeldPlus is a variant of Elterngeld particularly useful for parents planning to return to work part-time after the birth.
What is ElterngeldPlus?
ElterngeldPlus pays half the monthly amount of Basiselterngeld – but for twice as many months. €900 Basiselterngeld equals €450 ElterngeldPlus for two months. The total is identical; only the payment duration doubles.
When is ElterngeldPlus worth it?
- When you plan to return to work part-time (up to 32 hours/week) after the birth
- When you want to spread the benefit over a longer period
- When both parents want to work simultaneously and claim the Partnerschaftsbonus months
Basiselterngeld would be €1,000. ElterngeldPlus: €500/month.
As Basiselterngeld: 14 months × €1,000 = €14,000 total.
As ElterngeldPlus: 28 months × €500 = €14,000 total.
With 20-hour part-time at €1,200 net: combining part-time income with ElterngeldPlus is often more economical than no Elterngeld.
Sibling bonus and ElterngeldPlus
The sibling bonus also applies to ElterngeldPlus – calculated on the respective ElterngeldPlus amount.
Partnerschaftsbonus
When both parents simultaneously work 25–32 hours per week and each claims ElterngeldPlus, four additional bonus months are available.