Advance on maintenance
Securing the maintenance of children of single mothers and fathers up to the age of 18.
Course description
Due to the changed minimum maintenance amounts, the payment amounts will change as follows from 1 January 2025:
- 1. Age group (0 to 5 years): 227 euros
- 2. Age group (6 to 11 years): 299 euros
- 3. Age group (12 to 17 years): 394 euros
Entitlement
- every child who lives with one of their parents who is single, widowed or divorced and
- receives less maintenance or orphan's benefits per month than would be possible under the Maintenance Advance Act (UVG) and
- who has German citizenship or the right to freedom of movement (EU/EEA citizenship); a settlement permit or residence permit (authorisation to work; permanent residence).
- from the age of 12:
- caring parent does not receive benefits according to SGB II or
- in the case of ongoing receipt of benefits in accordance with SGB II, the caring parent earns income of at least 600 euros gross per month or the need for assistance of the child or the community of need is avoided by the granting of advance maintenance payments
Required documents
- Application
- Child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residence or extract from the register for the single parent and the child
- Identity card or passport
- for foreign nationals: valid residence permit
- Proof of child benefit
- Confirmation from the tax office regarding the change in income tax bracket
- Acknowledgement of paternity (certificate or court judgement)
- Custody order / declaration
- Divorce decree or proof of the date of separation (e.g. confirmation from a solicitor)
- Maintenance order (e.g. maintenance certificate, court judgement) or proof of service of the maintenance claim
- (Reminder) letter relating to the assertion of child maintenance claims, including proof of service (e.g. return receipt for registered post)
- From the age of 12 and where SGB II benefits are currently being received: the current and complete decision from the Jobcentre
- if applicable:
- Decisions granting or suspending benefits under the UVG from other maintenance advance funds
- Evidence that the other parent has been accommodated in an institution for an extended period
- Death certificate of the parent liable for maintenance and proof of orphan’s benefits for the child.
- Evidence of the child’s income
Questions & Answers
Advance maintenance payments are processed on a decentralised basis at three main social services centres. Responsibility is determined by the child’s place of residence within the Munich city area. Within the social services centres, cases are allocated according to city districts and letters. (See below: Finding the office responsible for your case)
General information can be obtained and application forms collected or submitted at all 12 social services centres.
Yes, there is a very quick and easy tool available in our online services specifically for this purpose:
Click here for the preliminary check.
You can always claim benefits retroactively for a maximum of one month – prior to the current calendar month.
Minor children whose parents do not pay maintenance and who have no income of their own.
In special circumstances, there may be exceptions.
You can use the quick check to see if you are eligible.
Until the child reaches the age of 18, provided they do not have an income of their own.
To make an appointment, find out which office is responsible for your case. Enter your home address in the search field.
The page that follows will show your relevant office.
In the contact section, you will find the link to book an appointment.
Legal basis
Act on Securing the Maintenance of Children of Single Mothers and Fathers through Maintenance Advances or Loss of Maintenance Payments (Maintenance Advance Act; UVG)
Statutory minimum maintenance: § 1612 a Para. 1 BGB