You provide the details, we get the application ready
Here's the exact process, and at every step, what you do and what we take care of for you.
You do little. We do a lot.
That's the whole difference from the form: you only enter a few things, and we take over the work that would otherwise land on you.
What we take care of
- Calculate eligibility & amount
- Optimize for your best split
- Fill out the complete application
- Check documents & plausibility
- Personal document checklist
- If you like: printed and mailed to you
What stays with you
- Provide a few details
- Upload your documents
- Sign & submit to the office
You provide the details & upload documents
Online and at your own pace, you answer a few simple questions about income, due date and family situation and upload your documents, no bureaucratic German. You can pause anytime, start on your phone and continue on your laptop.
Your part · at your own pace
We calculate & optimize
We run the numbers on your Elterngeld and compare Basiselterngeld, ElterngeldPlus, Partnerschaftsbonus and part-time work. We suggest the best split for your goal and fine-tune it together with you.
We handle this
We fill out & check
We fill out your complete application and check your documents against a personal checklist. If anything is missing or looks implausible, we'll get in touch. Open questions are sorted out via live chat, no appointment needed.
We handle this
You receive the finished application
You get the finished application as a PDF, or, if you like, we mail it to you printed. Signing it and submitting it to your Elterngeldstelle is up to you.
Your choice: PDF or printed by mail
Best to start before the birth
You can only officially submit after the birth, but preparing early pays off, because there's usually little time afterwards. We get everything ready; after the birth you just add details like the date of birth and the birth certificate.
Common questions about the process
Do you submit the application to the office for me?
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.
Will I get help if I get stuck?
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.
Can I do everything on my phone?
Yes. elterngeld.app works mobile-first and syncs with your desktop, so you can start on your smartphone and continue later on your laptop.
What happens after I submit?
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.
Ready? The first step is free.
Answer a few questions and see right away whether you're eligible and how much could be in it for you.