Parents’ money will be paid up to 14 months. Fathers and mothers receive 67 % of their net salary, if they take a break from their job. The maximum sum to be paid is 1.800 €. A 14 months parents’ money will only be paid if the parents are taking turns in looking after the child. If only one parent takes care of the child, the parents’ money will be paid for 12 months.

Single parents can receive the full 14 months parental money, if they have a decrease of income by parental leave. Another condition is, that the child lives with only that parent, who holds the sole custody or at least the right to determine the place of residence. In case of joint custody this is possible as well if the parent entitled to parents’ money obtained an interim order which conferred an temporary exclusive residence regulation right.

Unemployed parents receive parent money as well, the so-called Sockelbetrag (basic amount) equivalent to 300 €. This basic amount is not counted against social benefits like e.g. Unemployment Benefit II. The payment of the maximum 14 months parents’ money can be distributed over 2 years.

Foreigners are only entitled to parents’ money, if they have a permanent resident status or a permit of residence according to certain paragraphs of the Residence Act. A student permit of residence does not suffice here
You will find detailed information about acquirement, entitlement, sibling bonus and application as well as a parents’ money calculator at Familienwegweiser des Bundesministeriums für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (Family Guide of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth). The Broschüre Elterngeld und Elternzeit (brochure parents’ money and parental leave) published by the ministry will give you even more specific information.