Requirements for parental allowance

What you need to know about the eligibility requirements

Text last updated: 2025-01-20

Requirements for parental allowance

Parental allowance is a financial benefit for parents after the birth of a child. It compensates for previous income and is intended to enable parents to raise and care for their child. Do you have questions about the eligibility requirements for parental allowance? Can you receive parental allowance if you continue to work? Or if you have not worked at all? What special features are there for single parents and for parents without German citizenship? Here you will find answers to the most important questions about the requirements for entitlement to parental allowance.

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When can I receive parental allowance?

You can receive parental allowance if you meet the following requirements:

  • You look after and raise your child yourself.
  • You live with your child in a shared household.
  • You and your child live in Germany.
  • You do not work more than 32 hours per week while you are receiving parental allowance.

If you come from another European Union (EU) country or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can generally receive parental allowance in Germany if you live or work here. If you meet all these requirements, you can apply for parental allowance.

What income limits must be observed?

  • For couples whose child is born by March 31, 2025, a taxable income limit of 200,000 euros applies. Couples who exceed this income limit will not receive parental allowance. The same income limit applies to single parents. The decisive factor is the taxable income in the calendar year prior to the birth of the child.
  • For children born from April 1, 2025, the income limit for couples and single parents falls to 175,000 euros.

How do I calculate my taxable income?

To determine your taxable annual income, you can deduct the following amounts from your gross salary:

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The taxable income is therefore always lower than your gross income.

Your individual taxable income is calculated by the tax office. You can find the amount in your tax return.

Further questions about the requirements for parental allowance

Further information on parental allowance


Parental allowance and parental leave: This brochure explains the new regulations in plain language.