‘Elterngeld’ is a state benefit to which parents who are currently in some form of education/training e.g. studying at a university are also entitled, generally for a period of 12 months. Students who are not in employment before the birth of their child can receive a minimum monthly benefit. The number of hours per week spent on studying are not relevant in this connection. Students who are already in employment can determine the payment to which they are entitled with the Elterngeldrechner (parental allowance calculator). Studies do not need to be interrupted in order to receive parental allowance. In general international students are not entitled to a parental allowance as it does not apply if a residence permit has been issued for educational purposes or has a restriction of a maximum period.
Please get in touch with the ‘Elterngeldstelle’ (Amt für Familie und Soziales, Schwanseestraße 17, 99423 Weimar) for advice. Here you can get advice before the birth of your child and also obtain further information about applying for the parental allowance.
Every child living in Germany is entitled to ‘Kindergeld’ (child allowance) from birth through to the end of their 18th year. The children’s allowance can be applied for at the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). Furthermore, there is also a ’Kinderzuschlag’ (child supplement) which, under certain conditions, is paid in addition to the children’s allowance for families with small income.
During the protection period, in accordance with the MuSchG (Maternity Protection Act), mothers receive so-called ‘Mutterschaftsgeld’ (maternity pay) from their health insurance company to replace their regular income. Women who are in employment and are entitled to sick pay as part of their health insurance policy are fundamentally entitled to maternity pay. Students generally do not receive maternity pay. Certain conditions must be fulfilled in order to apply for maternity pay (employment - even if only a few hours per week - and direct membership of a statutory health insurance company). It is best to enquire directly at your health insurance company about whether you are entitled to maternity pay.
Students in receipt of ‘BAföG’ (federal education and trainings assistance for university students) whose own children are under 10 years old and reside with them in their household receive an additional childcare allowance of €160.00 as a subsidy. If the study programme is delayed due to pregnancy or child-rearing, the maximum period of funding (based on the standard duration of programme) can also be extended. It is recommended to seek specialist advice for all questions concerning BAföG. The Studierendenwerk Thüringen offers comprehensive information and tips on BAföG.
In general students are not entitled to benefits in accordance with SGB II (Second Book of the Code of Social Law), as they are essentially eligible for funding through the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG) (Federal Education and Trainings Assistance Act for University Students). Under certain conditions students can apply for statutory transfer benefits e.g. ALG II (unemployment benefit). This can occur in some circumstances such as when the education/training is put on hold and evidence of this can be provided - during a leave of absence or part-time study and if BAföG funding is not applicable. In these cases you can find out to what extent you are entitled to support within the scope of the SGB II. As the provisions of the SGB II are extremely comprehensive, please contact the Jobcenter for specific advice and, prior to this, enquire at the Allgemeine Sozialberatung (general social counselling services) provided by the Studierendenwerk Thüringen.
The Bundesstiftung "Mutter und Kind – Schutz des ungeborenen Lebens" (Federal Foundation Mother and Child) was established to support pregnant women in need. Financial benefits are administered by one institution in each federal state, in Thuringia this is the "Thüringer Stiftung Hand in Hand". Support takes the form of financial assistance for pregnancy clothing, basic equipment for the baby, etc. Applications can be submitted to ProFamilia e.V., the responsible advisory service for Weimar.
Students experiencing financial hardship can apply to the Studierendenwerk for tokens, which are provided as a subsidy for meals in the students' cafeterias. These students can receive up to 85 free meals per semester (for a maximum of two semesters in total.
Applications may be submitted to the general social counselling services provided by the Studierendenwerk Thüringen, Marienstraße 15a.
Information and contact
Student parents can apply to the Studierendenwerk for a child’s pass for the university dining halls. This pass enables children up to and including the age of six to receive a free portion of food when another meal is ordered (student, staff, or guest). The pass can be applied for and issued directly at INFOtake (Marienstraße 15b).
Studierendenwerk Thüringen can provide information and advice concerning further support opportunities in emergency financial situations (including educational loans, hardship loans).
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