Mutterschaftsgeld: What Mothers Are Entitled to in Germany

If you are pregnant and employed in Germany, one of the first financial benefits you will encounter is Mutterschaftsgeld, or maternity pay. It is designed to protect expecting mothers during the period just before and after birth, ensuring they do not have to choose between their health and their income.

Who Is Eligible?

Any woman who is employed and insured under a public health insurance scheme (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) is entitled to Mutterschaftsgeld. If you are privately insured or not employed, different rules apply and the amounts differ significantly.

What About Students?

If you are a student and insured through a public student health insurance plan, you are entitled to Mutterschaftsgeld from your health insurance provider. However, since students typically have no employer to top up the payment, you will only receive the base amount of up to 13 euros per calendar day from your health insurer. Students who are privately insured or insured through their parents' family insurance are generally not entitled to Mutterschaftsgeld from the health insurer, but may apply to the Bundesamt für Soziale Sicherung for a one-time payment of up to 210 euros instead.

When Does It Begin?

The Mutterschutz, or maternity protection period, begins six weeks before your due date and ends eight weeks after birth. During this entire period your employer is not allowed to ask you to work, and you are financially protected.

How Much Do You Receive?

• The public health insurance pays up to 13 euros per calendar day

• Your employer tops up the difference between 13 euros and your average daily net wage

• This means in practice, most employed mothers receive close to their full salary during the protection period

How to Apply

You apply for Mutterschaftsgeld directly through your health insurance provider. You will need a certificate from your gynecologist confirming your expected due date, typically issued around the 32nd to 34th week of pregnancy. Apply early, as processing can take a few weeks.