Advance on maintenance
Single mothers and fathers can apply for benefits for their underage children under the Maintenance Advance Act (Unterhaltsvorschussgesetz).
A child can receive an advance on maintenance payments if, among other things
- has not yet reached the age of 18,
- lives in Germany with a single parent,
- does not live in the same household as the other parent (who is liable for cash maintenance),
- receives no, too little or irregular maintenance from the other parent.
After the age of 12, the entitlement may also depend on whether the child and/or the single parent receive benefits from the Jobcentre and how high their income is.
The maintenance advance payments currently amount to:
- Children up to 6 years: € 227.00
- Children from 6 years to under 12 years: € 299.00
- Children from 12 years to under 18 years: € 394.00