Father months in parental allowance is a colloquial term. What is meant are the partner months and the minimum period each parent must take in order to receive Elterngeld (parental allowance). This guide explains the rule in force under the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (BEEG), shows what the planned reform has documented so far and names what couples should consider now.
Short answer: Each parent must take at least two life months of Elterngeld, otherwise that parent has no entitlement (section 4 BEEG). There are also two joint partner months if one parent’s earned income is reduced in two life months. Elterngeld ranges from 300 to 1,800 euros a month. A change to the number of benefit months is planned, but the federal government has not yet named concrete rules. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The term father months is colloquial. Legally, the relevant rules are the minimum benefit of two life months per parent and the partner months.
- Basic Elterngeld can be drawn until the child reaches the 14th month of life, and Elterngeld Plus until the 32nd month, provided at least one parent draws it without a break from the 15th month.
- Elterngeld is at least 300 and at most 1,800 euros a month. These amounts have been unchanged since 2007.
- Printed matter 21/8793 of 26 October 2026 confirms only that the coalition plans a changed number and split of benefit months.
- Couples who want to wait for the reform should still keep the benefit period and the minimum benefit in view, because the rules in force apply today.
What does the current minimum-benefit rule say?
Under section 4 BEEG, the parents together are entitled to twelve monthly amounts of basic Elterngeld. If the partner months are used, two additional months are added where the earned income of one parent is reduced in two life months. A parent is only entitled to Elterngeld if they draw it for at least two life months. This is precisely where the colloquial term of father months comes from, although in practice it usually refers to both parents.
The law was last amended by Article 19 of the act of 22 December 2025 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 370). The wording in force is what counts, so check the current version before you apply.
How many months does each parent get?
The split depends on which form of Elterngeld is chosen. The table below shows the building blocks under the version of the BEEG in force. It does not replace a calculation for your own situation.
| Building block | Rule under the BEEG (status as accessed November 2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Elterngeld | Until the 14th month of life is completed | Twelve monthly amounts jointly |
| Partner months | Two additional months jointly | Condition: earned income of one parent reduced |
| Elterngeld Plus | Until the 32nd month of life is completed | One month of basic Elterngeld can be replaced by two months of Elterngeld Plus |
| Minimum benefit | At least two life months per parent | Without it there is no entitlement |
| Partnership bonus | Up to four monthly amounts per parent (section 4b) | Check the conditions in section 4b |
Both parents may draw basic Elterngeld at the same time only in the first twelve months of the child’s life, unless an exception applies. After that, coordinating basic Elterngeld and Elterngeld Plus becomes more important, because the months may not overlap in that phase.
What does the 2027 reform actually plan?
According to the federal government, the coalition agreement provides for a changed number and split of benefit months to strengthen fathers’ involvement. In its answer to a minor parliamentary inquiry of 26 October 2026, however, the government names no concrete changes. It refers to internal coordination. There is also no information on a draft bill, the date it would take effect or any protection for expectant parents.
For the budget, the answer gives an allocation of 7.07 billion euros for 2027, compared with 7.51 billion euros for 2026. The government explains the decline mainly with the falling birth rate and the income limit lowered in 2024. It does not make concrete statements about the duration and amounts of a possible cut. Press reports on possible models are not an official source, so couples should rely on the official position.
Frequently asked questions
Must the second parent really take Elterngeld?
Not every month is compulsory, but any parent who wants to receive Elterngeld at all must take it for at least two life months. A parent who does not meet this minimum has no entitlement to Elterngeld for themselves. This mainly affects fathers who were rarely at home with the child before.
Can both parents draw basic Elterngeld at the same time?
Simultaneous receipt of basic Elterngeld by both parents is only possible in the first twelve months of life. Exceptions apply, among others, to multiple births and premature births. If you want to share more time together, plan the months early.
What is the difference between partner months and Elterngeld Plus?
Partner months are two additional months of basic Elterngeld that the parents can claim together. Elterngeld Plus is an alternative in which one month of basic Elterngeld can be replaced by two months of Elterngeld Plus. Elterngeld Plus is usually drawn for longer, but the monthly amounts are lower.
Does the reform apply to births from 2027?
There is no binding answer yet. In its answer of 26 October 2026, the federal government gave no information on the date of effect. As long as no law has been passed and promulgated, the version of the BEEG in force applies. The Federal Law Gazette shows when a change takes effect.
Where can I find the exact calculation for my income?
The amount of Elterngeld depends on income before the birth and is calculated in the application. If you have questions about your situation, contact the responsible Elterngeld office. For effects on student financing, see our article on partner income and BAföG (in German).
What you can do now
- Check the version of the BEEG in force before you divide the benefit months.
- Plan the partner months and the minimum of two life months per parent together, before the child is born.
- Follow the Bundestag printed matter as soon as a draft bill is available, and adjust your planning then.
Related reading
- Family, partnership and money: the overview for young adults
- Elterngeld reform 2027: what the draft says and what is open
- Registering a move when moving in together: main residence and deadlines
- Joint tax assessment for married couples: why its abolition is being discussed
- Partner income and BAföG: is it counted?
Sources: Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act (BEEG), section 4 (version last amended 22 December 2025, accessed November 2026), Section 4 BEEG, Gesetze im Internet (retrieved 2 November 2026), Answer of the federal government, printed matter 21/8793 of 26 October 2026 (German).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
