Elterngeld Recipients in Germany Decline for Third Consecutive Year

The reduction in income eligibility thresholds and demographic shifts drive falling participation, with debates intensifying over the program's future.

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.

Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung