Parental Allowance Calculator Germany 2026
How much Elterngeld will you get, and is ElterngeldPlus the better deal? This calculator derives the official assessment net (taxes per the government algorithm, flat 21% social contributions) and shows both variants.
| Elterngeld net (assessment base) | €2,185.42 |
|---|---|
| Replacement rate | 65.0% |
| Basic Elterngeld (up to 14 months with partner) | €1,420.52 |
| ElterngeldPlus (up to 28 months) | €710.26 |
- No entitlement above €175,000 taxable annual income (couples and single parents).
- Simplified calculation without income during receipt; the Elterngeldstelle decision is authoritative.
Basic or Plus?
Basic Elterngeld runs up to 12 months (14 with partner months) at the full rate; ElterngeldPlus runs twice as long at half the amount. Without income during leave the totals match, but as soon as you work part-time, Plus often wins, because earnings reduce the half-rate far less. The tax class that applied for most of the 12 months before birth drives the amount: switching the expecting parent to class III at least seven months before maternity leave adds about €193 a month at €3,500 gross compared with class IV, and much more from class V (about €438). More in the parental allowance guide.
Frequently asked questions
How is Elterngeld calculated in Germany?
Basic Elterngeld replaces 65 to 67 percent of your average net income from the twelve months before the birth, between 300 EUR and 1,800 EUR per month. Lower incomes receive a higher replacement rate.
How long can I receive parental allowance?
Basic Elterngeld (Basiselterngeld) is paid for up to 14 months split between both parents. ElterngeldPlus pays at half the rate for up to 28 months. Partnerships can combine both variants.
What counts as income for Elterngeld?
Your net salary from employment in the twelve months before the birth counts as income. The calculation uses your actual net pay (after tax and social contributions) rather than gross, based on your pay slips.