The German government is reportedly not going ahead with plans to cut parental allowance from 14 to 12 months. Here’s what we know about the latest proposal.
A document from the Ministry of Family Affairs, which was obtained by broadcaster ARD, stated that parental allowance or Elterngeld would continue to be paid to new parents for a duration of 14 months.
Previously, Education and Family Affairs Minister Karin Prien, of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), had announced that the maximum payment period would be reduced to 12 months as part of a major reform.
The government is still making some changes, however, and wants to encourage parents to share childcare more equally.
Here’s a look at the revised plans from the ministry:
A 4-6-4 model: Parents will continue to receive parental allowance for up to 14 months in total. The new arrangement will see four months designated to the mother and four for the father, whilst they can freely divide the remaining six months between themselves.
Under the plans, both parents can receive parental allowance simultaneously without restrictions. Single parents will receive up to 14 months.
Higher income replacement rate: During the four reserved months, 80 percent of the parent’s net income will be paid instead of the previous 65 percent; in all other months, the rate will be reduced to 50 percent.
Minimum and maximum rates: As originally planned, the ministry is set to raise the minimum amount of Elterngeld support from €300 to €330 per month, and the maximum amount from €1,800 to €1,900.
What is Elterngeld?
Parental allowance was introduced in 2007 to improve work-life balance and offer support. It is intended to provide financial security to mothers and fathers during Elternzeit (parental leave) after the birth of a child.
In 2026, the state supports parents with a monthly payment ranging from €300 to a maximum of €1,800 per month – depending on net income before the child was born.
Since April 2025 the income threshold has been set at €175,000, which means couples and single parents with a taxable annual income above this threshold are not eligible for the benefit.
Parents can receive Elterngeld for up to 14 months, provided both parents each take at least two months of parental leave as things currently stand.
Under the optional ElterngeldPlus scheme, payments can be spread over a longer period, although the monthly amount is lower.
A total of 1.61 million people received parental allowance in 2025, including 1.19 million women and 417,000 men, according to official figures.
The reforms are part of a savings drive in a bid to plug funding shortfalls.
READ ALSO: How new parents in Germany can stretch out their Elterngeld payments
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
