Are you starting a family? Then you're eligible for government benefits!

You can obtain a birth certificate for your child from the registry office in the place of birth.

Midwives are valuable companions during pregnancy and the postpartum period. (Expectant) mothers who have statutory health insurance are entitled to the support of a midwife before and after the birth. The costs are covered by health insurance.

When the birth of triplets or other multiples is announced, parents face particular challenges. This is why parents of multiples receive additional support in the form of a multiple birth grant.

In Germany, motherhood is clearly regulated: The mother of a child is the woman who gave birth to the child. This regulation does not apply to all countries. If the mother is not married, according to the law of some countries, a relationship between mother and child only arises when the mother makes a declaration in which she acknowledges the child.

During the maternity protection period, (expectant) mothers are under special legal protection. They are not allowed to work for a certain period before and after the birth. The Maternity Protection Act ensures that mothers are not financially disadvantaged during this time. Employees receive up to 100 percent of their previous net income, consisting of maternity pay and an employer's allowance.

If you as parents are not married to each other at the birth of your child, you can obtain joint custody by submitting both custody declarations to the youth welfare office in your place of residence.

If the parents of a child are not married to each other, the biological father is not automatically the legally recognized father. Recognition with all rights and obligations only takes place through the public notarization of a declaration by the father. The mother must agree to the declaration.

If you are raising your child alone, you can apply for a guardianship for your child at the youth welfare office. The guardian will help you to legally clarify paternity and/or enforce your child's maintenance claims.

Childcare, parenting, work, household chores: Single parents shoulder most of the responsibility on their own. Financial worries are compounded when the other parent pays no child support—or does not pay it regularly. In this situation, single parents can apply for an advance on child support.

If you look after your child after the birth, the parental allowance compensates for part of the loss of income.

All parents receive child benefit. With child benefit, the state supports parents so that they can provide well for their children. Child benefit is paid at least until the child's 18th birthday.

In some families, money is tight. If the parents’ income isn’t enough to adequately provide for the entire family, the government provides a monthly supplement in addition to child benefits. Find out here when you’re eligible for the child supplement and how to apply for it.

Financial Support for Education and Participation in Social and Cultural Life: All the Information at a Glance