Under German legislation, following the birth of a child, both parents may be exempted from work for a specific period of time in order to care for this child. During this period they are eligible for parental benefit (Elterngeld) amounting to between EUR 300 and EUR 1,800 per month (depending on their income).

Detailed information on parental benefit and leave as well as specific details of the responsible authorities within the Children, Youth, and Family Office (Amt für Kinder, Jugend und Familie) can be found in German.