Unterhaltsvorschuss — State Support for Single Parents

What is Unterhaltsvorschuss?

Unterhaltsvorschuss (also called Unterhaltsvorschussleistung) is state financial assistance for single parents when the other parent:

• Does not pay child support
• Pays child support irregularly or insufficient amounts
• Cannot be located (unknown whereabouts)
• Is deceased (and no orphan's pension is being paid)

The state steps in and pays the child support in advance — and attempts to recover the money from the parent obligated to pay.

Requirements

Your child is entitled if:

• They are under 18 years old
• They live with a single parent
• They have their place of residence in Germany
• The other parent does not pay or pays insufficient child support

No entitlement exists if:

• Both parents live together (even without marriage)
• The single parent marries or enters into a new domestic partnership (exception: the new partner is not the father/mother of the child — in this case, entitlement continues!)
• The single parent refuses to cooperate (e.g., does not provide the name of the other parent — without valid reason)

For children aged 12 and above additionally:

• The child must not receive Bürgergeld, or
• The single parent must have a gross income of at least €600/month

Amount of Unterhaltsvorschuss in 2026

The amount is based on the minimum child support (Düsseldorf Table) minus the full child allowance for a first child (€250):

Note: Amounts are adjusted on January 1st of each year. The values listed here apply to 2026.

If the other parent pays partially

If the other parent pays, for example, €100/month, the Unterhaltsvorschuss is reduced accordingly:

• 8-year-old child: €304 – €100 = €204/month from the state

Duration of the Benefit

• For children under 12 years: no time limit (until their 12th birthday)
• For children 12–17 years: also until their 18th birthday (expanded since 2017), provided the additional requirements are met

Applying

Where?

• At the Jugendamt (Youth Office) of your city or district
• Responsible department: Unterhaltsvorschussstelle / Beistandschaft

What documents are needed?

• ID card/passport of the applying parent
• Birth certificate of the child
• Registration confirmation (proof of residence)
• Acknowledgment of paternity or birth certificate with father listed
• Evidence of child support (e.g., court order, lawyer's letter, bank statements)
• Income verification (for children aged 12+)
• Proof of child allowance receipt

How long does processing take?

• Typically 2–6 weeks
• The advance is paid retroactively from the month of application
• Tip: Submit your application as early as possible — retroactive payments before the application month are not available!

Recovery from the Other Parent

The state pays the Unterhaltsvorschuss only as an advance. This means:

• The Jugendamt demands repayment from the obligated parent
• The claim for repayment transfers to the state
• If the other parent pays directly to you, you must notify the Jugendamt
• Upon refusal to pay: enforcement proceedings and wage garnishment
• In serious cases: criminal prosecution for failure to pay child support (§ 170 German Criminal Code)

Unterhaltsvorschuss and Other Benefits

Important for Foreigners

• EU Citizens: Full entitlement to Unterhaltsvorschuss if residing in Germany
• Third-country nationals: Entitled if you have a residence permit authorizing employment
• Asylum applicants: No entitlement during pending asylum proceedings (only after recognition)
• Tolerated residents: Generally no entitlement

Frequently Asked Questions

Must I provide the name of the child's father/mother?

Basically yes — you must cooperate in determining paternity and enforcing child support claims. If you refuse without valid reason, your application may be rejected.

Exception: In cases of violence or threats from the other parent, you may refuse to provide information for good cause.

What happens if the other parent starts paying?

• You must immediately notify the Jugendamt
• The Unterhaltsvorschuss will be reduced accordingly or discontinued
• Any overpaid benefits must be repaid

Status: March 2026. All information provided without warranty.