Elterngeldstelle

Elterngeldstelle refers to the parental allowance office in Germany, which is responsible for administering the federal program Elterngeld and its variants. In most cases the Elterngeldstelle is a department of the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) at the district (Kreis) or city level, while in some states it is organized within state authorities. The office serves as the point of contact for parents applying for Elterngeld, explains eligibility rules, and processes payments.

The core responsibilities include advising applicants, accepting and processing applications, determining eligibility, calculating the benefit amount, and issuing monthly payments. Applications can be submitted online via Elterngeld digital or on paper to the local Elterngeldstelle, which also requests required documents such as the child’s birth certificate, proof of prior earnings, tax information, and proof of residence or childcare arrangements. The Elterngeldstelle also handles changes in income or work status that affect benefits and adjusts payments accordingly.

Elterngeld aims to compensate for income loss after the birth of a child and to encourage a balanced division of parental leave between partners. Basic Elterngeld is paid for up to 14 months per child, with the possibility of sharing the period between both parents. ElterngeldPlus offers a longer duration with a reduced monthly amount, and mechanisms like the Partnerschaftsbonus allow additional months if both parents work part-time concurrently. The Elterngeldstelle decides eligibility and amount, and decisions can be challenged via a Widerspruch (objection) and, if necessary, further legal action.

The office coordinates with other authorities, including relevant tax and social security bodies, to ensure that payments reflect current circumstances and regulations.