Parental benefits without parental leave

You don't necessarily have to take parental leave to receive parental benefits. You are just not allowed to work more than 30 hours a week if you receive parental benefits. You can calculate online how much you can get in parental benefits. There is a special calculator for this (Elterngeldrechner).

Please note: special rules apply for parents who don’t have a German passport.

Whether you receive parental benefits depends on your nationality and residence status.

People with the following residence status can apply for parental benefits:

• Niederlassungs-Erlaubnis (settlement permit), Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt EU (permanent EU residence permit)
• EU Blue Card, ICT Card, a Mobile ICT Card or a residence permit that authorises the holder to pursue gainful employment for a period of at least 6 months

There are additional restrictions. It is best to seek advice from your local parental benefits office.

People with the following residence status can not apply for parental benefits:

• Aufenthaltsgestattung (temporary residence permit)
• Duldung (tolerated stay permit)
• Vocational training or further education in Germany

Please note: if the requirements are met, you are entitled to parental benefits. You do not have to be afraid of any negative consequences for your residence status.

You can also apply for parental leave and parental benefits for:

• Adopted children
• Foster children
• Stepchildren (here you must be married to one of the child's biological parents)