From 1 January 2015, parents working part-time can benefit from the introduction of so-called Elterngeld Plus. Under this scheme, mothers and fathers have the option to continue working part-time during parental leave and, in return, receive parental benefits for twice the usual period.
Option for Parents to Choose
Elterngeld Plus does mean that parents receive only half the amount of regular parental benefits; however, the period during which the family is supported is, at 24 months, twice as long as before. The duration of parental leave and of the parental benefit period is therefore extended by one month for each month a parent works part-time during their parental leave. This means that one regular parental benefit month becomes two Elterngeld Plus months. Since the conventional parental benefit will continue to exist, parents will in future be able either to choose between the two options or to combine them.
Splitting Parental Leave into Three Blocks
Until now, it has been possible to split parental leave into two segments and to transfer up to 12 months to the period between the child's 3rd and 8th year of life. With the introduction of Elterngeld Plus, parents will in future be able to split their parental leave into three blocks and to transfer up to 24 months to the period between the 3rd and 8th year of life.
Employer Consent to a Request for Parental Leave?
Under the new rules, the employer's consent to a request for parental leave is no longer required. An exception applies, however, where employees wish to take the third block of parental leave between the completed 3rd and 8th year of life. In this case, the employer may refuse the request for parental leave on urgent operational grounds. It nevertheless remains the case that the request for parental leave must be submitted to the employer in writing in good time, observing a notice period of seven weeks (for parental leave up to the child's 3rd birthday) or 13 weeks (for parental leave from the 3rd birthday onwards).
Introduction of a Partnership Bonus
If both parents opt for part-time work of between 25 and 30 hours per week, each parent receives an additional four months of Elterngeld Plus as a partnership bonus. This bonus is also granted to single mothers and fathers who share joint custody.
Change for Multiple Births and Twin Births
The law now clarifies that parents of twins or multiples are entitled to parental benefits only per birth, and no longer per child. This rule applies from January 2015 onwards.
Most Provisions Available Only from July 2015
Although the law entered into force on 1 January 2015, the majority of the provisions can only be claimed by parents whose children are born on or after 1 July.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Elterngeld Plus and how does it differ from regular Elterngeld?
Elterngeld Plus (Parental Allowance Plus) allows parents to work part-time during parental leave while receiving parental allowance for twice as long. The monthly payment is only half of the regular Elterngeld, but the benefit period extends to up to 24 months. One regular Elterngeld month thus becomes two Elterngeld Plus months. Parents can choose between the two options or combine them.
How can parental leave be split and transferred under the new rules?
Parental leave can be split into up to three blocks. In addition, parents can transfer up to 24 months of parental leave to the period between the child's 3rd and 8th birthday. Previously, only two blocks and a transfer of a maximum of 12 months were permitted.
Does the employer have to consent to a request for parental leave?
In principle, the employer's consent is no longer required. An exception applies to the third block of parental leave between the child's completed 3rd and 8th year of age — here the employer may refuse on urgent operational grounds. The written notice period is seven weeks for leave up to the 3rd birthday and 13 weeks for leave starting after the 3rd birthday.
What is the partnership bonus under Elterngeld Plus?
If both parents work part-time at the same time for 25 to 30 hours per week, each parent receives an additional four months of Elterngeld Plus as a partnership bonus. Single mothers and fathers who share joint custody are also eligible for this bonus.
What applies to parental allowance (Elterngeld) for twins or multiple births from 2015?
Since January 2015, entitlement to parental allowance (Elterngeld) exists only per birth, not per child. Parents of twins or multiple births therefore no longer receive a multiple entitlement. This clarification applies regardless of the further new rules, which only apply to children born on or after 1 July 2015.