Introduction Elterngeld is a parental allowance provided by the German government to support parents during the early years of their child’s life. This benefit helps compensate for income loss when parents take time off work to care for their newborn. This article will explain what Elterngeld is, how to apply for it in Bavaria, the key websites for submission, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the amount you can receive.
What is Elterngeld? Elterngeld is a financial support program for parents who reduce or stop working to take care of their child. It is designed to help families maintain financial stability during the first months of a child’s life. The benefit is managed by the local Elterngeldstellen (parental allowance offices) in each federal state, including Bavaria.
Who is Eligible for Elterngeld? To qualify for Elterngeld, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be a resident of Germany.
- You must be the biological parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian of the child.
- You must be responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.
- Your income before childbirth should not exceed a certain limit (higher earners may receive a reduced amount or no Elterngeld).
- You can work up to 32 hours per week while receiving Elterngeld.
Types of Elterngeld and Payment Amounts There are three types of Elterngeld:
- Basic Elterngeld (Basiselterngeld):
- Paid for up to 12 months (or 14 months if both parents share the benefit).
- The amount ranges between €300 and €1,800 per month, depending on previous income.
- Elterngeld Plus:
- Extends the payment period up to 24 months but at half the amount of Basic Elterngeld.
- Designed for parents who want to work part-time while receiving benefits.
- Partnership Bonus (Partnerschaftsbonus):
- Available if both parents work between 24-32 hours per week.
- Provides an extra two to four months of Elterngeld Plus payments.
How to Apply for Elterngeld in Bavaria
- Gather the Required Documents
- Child’s birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
- Parent’s identification (passport or residence permit)
- Proof of residence registration (Meldebescheinigung)
- Tax identification numbers (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) of both parents
- Salary slips or tax returns to determine income before childbirth
- Employer’s confirmation of parental leave (if employed)
- Health insurance confirmation (if applicable)
- Complete the Application Form
- The Elterngeld application form is available on the official Bavarian Family Ministry (ZBFS – Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales) website.
- Forms should be filled out accurately to avoid processing delays.
- Submit the Application
- Online Submission: Some regions allow digital submission via the ElterngeldDigital portal.
- By Post: Print the completed application and send it to your local Elterngeldstelle office.
Key Websites for Application
- Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales (ZBFS): www.zbfs.bayern.de – Official Bavarian government website for Elterngeld.
- ElterngeldDigital: www.elterngeld-digital.de – Online portal for submitting applications.
- Federal Ministry for Family Affairs: www.bmfsfj.de – General information on parental benefits.
Processing Time and Payment
- Processing time can take 6 to 10 weeks after submitting the application.
- Payments are deposited directly into the parent’s bank account each month.
Conclusion Elterngeld is a vital financial benefit that helps parents in Germany balance work and family life. In Bavaria, applying for Elterngeld requires gathering the necessary documents, completing the application form, and submitting it to the appropriate office. Ensuring accuracy in your application will help speed up processing and avoid delays.
For more details and updates, refer to official government websites.