Frequently asked questions

We get your Elterngeld application completely done: you enter your details online, we calculate your Elterngeld, optimize the split for your family's best outcome, fill out the application, check your documents and export it as a PDF. On request, we'll even mail the finished application to your home in print. Signing it and submitting it to the Elterngeldstelle is up to you.

No. elterngeld.app is a private digital application service. We calculate, optimize, fill out and deliver your finished application (as a PDF or printed on request). Submitting it is up to you, and the binding decision rests with your responsible Elterngeldstelle.

No appointment needed. You click through everything digitally whenever you have time. And if anything is ever unclear, you can reach us anytime via live chat in the portal, without booking a consultation.

Ideally before the birth. You can only officially submit afterwards, but preparing early pays off, as there's usually little time left after the birth. We get everything ready, and after the birth you just add details like the date of birth and the birth certificate.

No, you do that yourself, because the signature on the application has to be yours. We get it completely ready and give it to you as a PDF, or mail it to your home in print if you like. Signing it and sending it to your Elterngeldstelle is up to you.

Yes. You can reach us via live chat in the portal. We prepare your starting position and explain whatever is unclear, without you needing an appointment.

Yes. elterngeld.app works mobile-first and syncs with your desktop, so you can start on your smartphone and continue later on your laptop.

After you submit, your responsible Elterngeldstelle reviews and approves the application and pays out your Elterngeld. If the office has follow-up questions, we support you so you're not left on your own.

Basiselterngeld usually pays out more per month but for a shorter time. ElterngeldPlus is lower per month but can be used for longer, which makes it especially interesting if you work part-time after the birth. We'll figure out together which mix fits your family best.

Basiselterngeld generally ranges from €300 to €1,800 per month, ElterngeldPlus from €150 to €900 per month. In certain cases, bonuses like the sibling bonus (Geschwisterbonus) come on top. Your free initial assessment shows you the ballpark.

Yes. We specifically ask whether you have income from self-employment, a business or mixed income types, because these come with special requirements and documentation.

Yes. Special rules apply to single parents, for example for claiming the additional partner months. We ask about your situation specifically and set up the application to match.

Yes. We identify the sibling bonus (Geschwisterbonus) and the multiple-birth supplement (Mehrlingszuschlag) from your details and plan them in for you, so you don't miss out on any bonus.

Then ElterngeldPlus is often worth it. We factor your planned part-time work into the calculation and show you the split that gets the most out of it.

The initial assessment of whether you're eligible and roughly how much is free. The complete application service costs a one-time €89. No tiers, no subscription. And it comes with a money-back guarantee.

If your Elterngeld application is rejected or your actual Elterngeld comes in more than 10% below our calculation, and that's due to a mistake on our part rather than incorrect or incomplete information from you, we refund the full price.