SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf has urged Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) to withdraw plans to cut state-provided subsidized child support for single parents. Klüssendorf stated to Funke Mediengruppe that for single parents, the proposed reduction constitutes a “declaration of bankruptcy.” He pointed out that the vast majority of single parents in Germany are women, a group facing one of the highest risks of poverty in the country, stressing that the nation cannot fail them.
The proposed reduction, which is driven by budget constraints within the federal government, suggests that the state would only pay the subsidized support until the child turns 16, rather than until the child reaches the age of majority, as is currently the case. Klüssendorf insisted that the state must continue to intervene temporarily and cover the subsidized support up to the age of majority if one parent refuses to meet their legal obligation to provide support.
“I expect Karin Prien that, despite the tight budgets, she will consistently focus on how we can make life easier-not harder-for single parents and their children,” Klüssendorf asserted. He firmly stated that cutting the subsidized child support should not be the conclusion of the debate.
The state provides this support for children of single parents when the other parent fails to provide adequate financial assistance for their offspring. Klüssendorf warned that attempts to reduce support directly impact children and adolescents, adding that no child is responsible for the circumstances that arise when parents separate. Because of this, he stressed that reliance on the state is absolutely necessary.
