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Family benefits

Apply for an extension of parental leave

Subsequent changes to the payment period for parental leave benefits, such as converting basic parental leave benefits to Parental Leave Plus or extending the benefit period.

Wo wohnen Sie?

Damit wir Apply for an extension of parental leave mit dem zuständigen Elterngeldstelle in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.

Oder Großstadt wählen:

Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Apply for an extension of parental leave.

Processing: approx. 3 weeksSuccess rate: 85.0 %
Last reviewed: August 02, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1

    Documents you need

    Personalausweis oder Reisepass · Formular / Antrag

  2. 2

    Responsible authority

    The authority of your main residence

  3. 3

    How to do it

    Apply directly online

  4. 4

    Costs

    Kostenlos

Find the responsible authority

How to proceed

  1. 1

    Submit a request for changes to the Parental Benefits Office

    Before the start of the relevant months of life.

  2. 2

    Specify new allocation/conversion

    For example, converting basic parental leave months into Parental Leave Plus months (1:2).

  3. 3

    Recalculation and payment

    Adjustment of the monthly amounts in accordance with the new allocation.

Responsible authority

The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →

The essentials before applying

Who is eligible?

Parents who are already receiving parental leave benefits and wish to change how the months are allocated.

Income limit

Processing time

Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 weeks

Success rate

approx. 85.0 % (estimate)

Most common mistakes

  • The request for a change was submitted retroactively only after the payment had been made
  • The other parent's consent to joint custody is lacking

Common reasons for rejection

  • The change was requested only after the end of the relevant month
  • The total benefit period of 14 months (or 28 months for Parental Allowance Plus) has been exceeded

Alternatives

  • Check related services in the application assistant
  • Use social counselling before applying

If rejected

File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.

Related services

Questions & Answers

Wie lange dauert Elterngeldverlängerung beantragen?

In der Regel ca. 21 Werktage – je nach Behörde und Auslastung.

Freshness & source

Maintenance
Continuously reviewed & updated
Source
Familienportal des Bundes
Data quality
100 %

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