The German government has revised its plans to reform the Elterngeld parental allowance. Instead of the previously proposed reduction in payment duration, the authorities intend to maintain the current maximum period and increase the minimum and maximum amounts of the allowance. However, at the same time, the rules for distributing payments between parents will change, which may result in some families receiving less money.

Tagesschau reported this on October 29, citing an updated draft law from the German Ministry of Family Affairs. The document was sent for intra-government coordination on October 28.

According to the new proposals, the minimum Elterngeld amount will increase from 300 to 330 euros per month, and the maximum from 1800 to 1900 euros. This will be the first increase in the basic allowance amounts since its introduction in 2007.

Family Minister Karin Prien explained the revision of the reform by numerous appeals from parents and criticism of the government's original plans.

Germany abandoned reducing payment duration

The original draft provided for reducing the maximum duration of receiving the basic allowance from 14 to 12 months. After public discussion, the ministry abandoned this proposal.

Now it is planned to maintain the possibility of receiving the allowance for a total of 14 months if both parents participate in childcare. For single parents, the maximum period will also remain the same.

At the same time, the government proposes a new distribution model for payments — 4–6–4. It provides for:

  • four months of allowance reserved for the mother;
  • four months reserved for the father;
  • another six months that parents can distribute between themselves at their own discretion.

Thus, to receive all 14 months of allowance, each parent will need to use at least four months. In a typical family where only one parent applies for the allowance, the maximum duration of receiving it may be reduced from the current 12 to 10 months.

It is also proposed to abolish the current restriction, which in most cases allows both parents to receive the basic allowance simultaneously for only one month.

Payment amount will depend on care duration

Another significant change concerns the calculation of the allowance based on parents' income before the birth of the child.

Currently, Elterngeld usually compensates about 65% of previous net earnings. After the reform, the government proposes to set two different rates:

  • 80% of previous net income — during the four months reserved for each parent;
  • 50% of previous net income — in the remaining six months, which parents distribute themselves.

For example, with previous net earnings of 2000 euros per month, the allowance for the first four months under the new rules could amount to 1600 euros instead of the current 1300 euros. However, in subsequent months the amount will decrease to 1000 euros.

Actual payments will depend on individual family circumstances, established minimum and maximum amounts, and the chosen distribution of months.

In addition, the ministry proposes to extend the period of paying an additional supplement to families who are already raising small children. When calculating the allowance, they also plan to take into account certain additional payments from employers.

According to Karin Prien, the new model should encourage fathers to participate more actively in raising children and distribute care responsibilities between both parents.

Will Ukrainians in Germany be able to receive the increased allowance

The proposed changes will potentially affect Ukrainian families living in Germany as well.

According to the official German family portal, Ukrainians with temporary protection can apply for Elterngeld if they meet the established conditions.

In particular, entitlement to the allowance is possible with a residence permit under §24 of the Residence Act for at least six months.

Also, the applicant must live with the child in the same household, independently care for the child, and work no more than 32 hours per week. Parents who did not have paid work before the child's birth may also be entitled to the allowance.

At the same time, Elterngeld should not be confused with Kindergeld — the monthly child benefit. These are different types of state support, and the proposed reform specifically concerns payments to parents related to childcare.

For Ukrainian families, the new rules do not change anything for now: the current amounts and conditions for receiving Elterngeld remain until the reform officially enters into force.

New rules have not yet been approved

Despite the increase in individual payments, the reform still provides for budget savings. According to calculations by the Ministry of Family Affairs, after full implementation of the changes from 2030, state expenditures may decrease by approximately 1.3 billion euros.

At the same time, the original proposals anticipated more significant savings. The minister admitted that the revised version will save less money than previously planned.

The updated draft is at the stage of interdepartmental coordination. The government expects to consider it in November 2026, after which the document must go through the legislative procedure.

The exact date the new rules will enter into force and the categories of families to which they will apply have not yet been determined. Until the law is passed, the minimum basic Elterngeld amount remains at 300 euros, and the maximum at 1800 euros per month.

Based on materials from: Tagesschau, MDR, Deutschlandfunk, Federal Family Portal of Germany.