Unterhaltsvorschuss Bewilligung

The maintenance advance is regulated in the Maintenance Advance Act (UhVorschG).

What is maintenance advance?

Maintenance advance is a special family benefit for children of single parents. Single parents who do not receive any or regular maintenance for their child can apply for maintenance advance. This is an advance payment for missing maintenance payments from the other parent.

If it would actually be possible for the other parent to pay maintenance, the state reclaims the maintenance advance paid.

How much is the maintenance advance?

The amount of the maintenance advance depends on the age of the child and since January 1, 2023 (after deduction of child benefit) is as follows per month

• for children aged 0 to 5 up to 187 euros,
• for children aged 6 to 11 up to 252 euros,
• up to 338 euros for children aged 12 to 17.

Where can I get advice?

The youth welfare office in your place of residence is responsible. Find your local youth welfare office here.

You will need the following documents to apply:

• Application form
• Birth certificate of the child
• If available: Proof of paternity for children born outside of a marriage
• If available: Maintenance order

Please complete the application for maintenance advance carefully. This may result in you having to provide further evidence in your specific case.

When can I get maintenance advance?

You can receive maintenance advance if

• your child is under the age of 18,
• your child lives in your household and
• your child receives no or no regular maintenance from the other parent or the maintenance payments are below the statutory minimum maintenance.

You can also receive maintenance advance if the other parent is involved in looking after the child. However, you must have the main responsibility for raising the child. Maintenance advance is also paid if you have joint custody with the other parent.

For a child aged 12 to 17, one of the following two conditions must also be met:

• Your child is not dependent on benefits under the Second Book of the German Social Code (SGB II, also often referred to as Hartz IV) or
• You receive SGB II benefits and have at least 600 euros gross per month at your disposal without child benefit.

There is no income limit for single parents who do not receive SGB II benefits.

When is maintenance advance not paid?

In the following cases, you cannot receive an advance on maintenance payments for your child:

• If you are married or partnered with a new partner and live together.
• If you live with the other parent, whether married or not.
• If your child lives with the other parent.
• If you do not provide information about the other parent.
• If you do not cooperate in establishing paternity or clarifying the whereabouts of the other parent.

• Contradiction

Prerequisites:

• Child maintenance is not paid or only paid in part
• The child is resident or habitually resident in Germany
• Foreign children are only entitled if they have certain residence permits.
• Children up to the age of 17
• Parent is a single parent (e.g. also widowed)
• Parent and child must live in the same household

Amount from 01.01.2023 (after deduction of child benefit):

• Children from 0 to 5 years up to 187 euros per month
• Children from 6 to 11 years up to 252 euros per month
• Children from 12 to 17 years up to 338 euros per month

You can apply for advance maintenance payments at the youth welfare office responsible for your place of residence.

You can find the youth welfare office for your town or district here.