If a parent remains at home after the birth of the child and takes care of the child, the parental allowance helps to make up the lost income. The amount of the parental allowance is based on the monthly net income of the parent providing childcare which was earned in Germany prior to the birth of the child. This form of parental allowance is known as the basic allowance or Basiselterngeld. 

If both parents would like to stay at home for a time in order to care for the child, they can apply for parental allowance 'plus', or ElterngeldPlus. 

You can also get advice via chat or at an MBE (Migrationsberatung [Immigration counselling]) office. Family counselling offices can also provide information about both forms of parental allowance.