Overview

• The number of Elterngeld recipients dropped by 5.4% in 2024, with 1.67 million parents receiving the benefit, reflecting a broader 15% decline in birth rates.
• Elterngeld Plus, offering lower monthly payments over a longer period, continues to grow in popularity, with 36.7% of recipients opting for it in 2024.
• The income eligibility threshold for Elterngeld will decrease to 175,000 euros in April 2025, further limiting access to the benefit.
• Gender disparities persist, with women averaging 14.8 months of Elterngeld usage in 2024 compared to 3.8 months for men, and regional participation among fathers varying widely.
• Experts remain divided over Elterngeld's future, with some advocating for its elimination due to budgetary concerns and others emphasizing its role in supporting working parents and birth rates.