Advance on maintenance

Securing the maintenance of children of single mothers and fathers up to the age of 18.

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 form
  • Birth certificate of the child
  • Registration confirmation/register information of 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 about the change of income tax class
  • Acknowledgement of paternity (deed or judgement)
  • Custody decision/declaration
  • Divorce decree or proof of the date of separation (e.g. confirmation from the lawyer)
  • Maintenance title (e.g. maintenance certificate, court judgement) or proof of service of the maintenance claim
  • (Reminder) letter in connection with the assertion of child maintenance claims including proof of delivery (e.g. registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, etc.)
  • if applicable, authorisation/termination notices regarding benefits under the UVG from other maintenance advance funds
  • if applicable, proof that the other parent has been institutionalised for a longer period of time
  • if applicable, death certificate of the parent liable for maintenance and proof of orphan benefits for the child.
  • proof of the child's income, if applicable
  • from the age of 12 and if the child is currently receiving SGB II benefits: the current and complete notification from the job centre

Duration & Costs

Processing time

Unfortunately, there are currently longer processing times for applications and requests for advance maintenance payments. Due to a high number of applications and a lack of staff, the processing of applications is currently taking around three months.
 
We have initiated extensive measures to stabilise the processing time and reduce it again in the future.
 
You can help us to process your applications quickly by submitting the "Required documents" listed on this page and the completed application form with your application. So that we can concentrate on processing your application, please refrain from enquiring about the processing status for the first three months.
 
In urgent cases, however, you can still communicate directly by e-mail.

Fees

There are no fees.

Questions & Answers

Advance maintenance payments are provided on a decentralised basis in three main social welfare centres. Responsibility is determined by the child's place of residence in the city of Munich. Within the Social Citizens' Centres, there is a division by district and letter. (see below: Finding the centre responsible for you)

General information can be obtained and applications can be collected or handed in at all 12 social centres.

Yes, there is a quick and easy way to do this in our online services:
Click here for the preliminary check.

You can always apply retrospectively for a maximum of one month - before the current calendar month.

Underage children whose parents do not pay maintenance and who have no income of their own.
There may be exceptions in special situations.
You can use the quick check to find out whether you are entitled.

Until the child reaches the age of 18 if they do not earn their own income.

To make an appointment, find the office responsible for you. Enter your home address in the search field.
The next page will show the office responsible for you.
In the contact block you will find the link to make 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

Related services

Notarisation of maintenance claims

Does your child not live with both parents in the same household? Then he or she is entitled to "cash maintenance" from the parent living away from the household.

Managing guardianship

Assistance: legal representation of underage children in establishing paternity and claiming child maintenance.

Advise adults (under 21 years of age) on maintenance issues

Adults who are unable to fully cover their maintenance needs from their own resources may be entitled to maintenance from both parents

Paternity survey for maintenance payments

If you want to apply for an advance on maintenance payments, the father must be legally established by a deed or a judgement.

Legal advice on paternity and maintenance issues

We advise on maintenance claims for underage children and young adults up to their 21st birthday as well as on carer's maintenance.