German cabinet agrees parental allowance reform, with the Bundestag to decide next

What the cabinet agreed

The federal cabinet has agreed a draft law reforming parental allowance (Elterngeld) and maternity protection, aimed at helping families divide the allowance months more evenly between parents. Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille said the cabinet adopted the plan by circulation procedure (Umlaufverfahren). The reform now goes to the Bundestag, which has to deal with it before it can become law. The changes are planned to apply from November 2027.

Basic allowance and the split between parents

The maximum of 14 months of basic allowance stays in place. Each parent would have four months reserved, up from two months each under current rules, and the remaining six months could be shared flexibly between the parents. Single parents would still be able to receive up to 14 months. Both parents could again draw basic allowance at the same time without a limit, for example the first four months together, whereas the last reform allowed this for only one month within the child's first year.

Payment rates and sibling bonus

For the four reserved months, benefit would rise to 80% of the net income earned before the birth, compared with about 65% under current rules, while later months would fall to 50%. Irregular pay such as Christmas bonuses would be included in the net calculation. The minimum rate would rise from 300 euros to 320 euros according to Der Tagesspiegel, but to 330 euros according to N-tv. Both outlets give the maximum rise from 1,800 to 1,900 euros. The sibling bonus, a supplement for families with further children at home, would be paid for longer, and administration would be cut so that the allowance reaches parents faster.

Women14.9

Men3.8

Women

14.9 months

Men

3.8 months

Data from the article text

Government case and criticism

The ministry says the reform makes it more financially attractive for fathers to take an active role in the early phase of family life. Sebastian Hille put the aim in these words:

“a real incentive for splitting the parental allowance months between the parents, because it generally becomes more attractive for fathers to take part”

According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), women planned an average of 14.9 months of parental allowance in 2025, compared with 3.8 months for men.

Earlier plan and timeline

Family minister Karin Prien of the CDU had first planned to cut the total duration of parental allowance to twelve months, a step driven by the strict savings requirements set by finance minister Lars Klingbeil. That plan drew sharp criticism, and at the end of October 2026 Prien said she would drop the cut.

The cabinet decision of 13 November 2026 is the next step in the process, with the Bundestag now due to consider the reform.