Studying with a child is twice a challenge. Financial support is essential in order to combine education and family. Two of the most important options are student support (BAföG) and parental allowance. But how do they differ and can you combine the two? Here is an overview of the requirements, benefits and possible combinations.
Requirements for parental allowance: Who is eligible?
Parental allowance is available to all parents resident in Germany, regardless of their professional or student situation. However, you must look after your child yourself after the birth and not work more than 32 hours a week. If you work more, you are not entitled. It is aimed at parents who are considering reducing their working hours or taking a break from their studies after the birth of their child.
Note: BAföG is not counted as income for parental allowance, which is why it has no effect on your entitlement to parental allowance. However, parental allowance is income within the meaning of BAföG and must therefore be declared there.
Duration and amount of parental allowance: What are you entitled to?
Parental allowance is paid for a maximum of 14 months from the birth of your child. Both parents can divide this time flexibly between them, for example, with one parent receiving 9 months and the other 5 months. However, one parent can receive parental allowance for a maximum of 12 months. The parental allowance generally amounts to 65% of the last income, but at least 300 € and at most 1800 €.
With the Parental Allowance Plus model, you can even double the period of entitlement, but the monthly payments are reduced. Therefore, the minimum and maximum amounts are also half as high at 150 € and 900 €. Bonus months are another option if both parents reduce their employment and share the childcare.
For students who are dependent on additional support, parental allowance can provide a welcome financial basis - especially as it can also be combined with other social benefits.
Requirements for BAföG: Who can receive it?
BAföG is the central support for students and generally funds the first full-time degree programme or a subsequent Master's degree programme. To apply for BAföG, you must be enrolled at a university, be under 45 years of age and be a German citizen. Foreign students can also receive BAföG in certain cases. The amount of funding depends on your income, your parents' income and your assets.
Note: In order to be eligible for BAföG, you must regularly provide evidence of your academic progress, especially after the fourth semester.
With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send your application directly to us. Check now!
Combining BAföG and parental allowance: What do you need to consider?
Good news for student parents: Parental allowance does not count as income for BAföG and therefore does not reduce your entitlement to funding. Conversely, however, parental allowance (minus an allowance of 300 euros) is taken into account as income for BAföG. If you also have a student job, further income can be taken into account.
There is also a childcare allowance for parents entitled to BAföG. Since the winter semester 2022/23, this amounts to 160 € per child and must be applied for separately. The supplement is paid independently of the remaining BAföG and is not subject to repayment.
Additional benefits of BAföG for student parents
In addition to the childcare allowance, parents benefit from an extension of the maximum funding period during their studies. Under certain conditions, you can receive funding for an additional semester. This gives you more flexibility in terms of time to combine studying and bringing up children. In addition, if you are unable to continue your studies during your pregnancy, you will continue to receive BAföG for up to 3 months.
You can find more information in our article on pregnancy during your studies.
Conclusion: Which option is right for you?
Parental allowance and BAföG are not mutually exclusive forms of support - you can combine the two under certain conditions. While parental allowance primarily offers financial relief if you interrupt or reduce your studies, BAföG remains the central support for students who are studying full-time. Also take advantage of the childcare allowance and find out about all application deadlines early on. This will give you a stable basis for successfully managing your studies and family life.
With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send us your application directly. Check now!