Germany is considering stricter measures to address rising costs associated with maintenance advances – payments made by the state to parents who are not receiving child support. While the federal government is exploring potential sanctions for non-paying parents, proposals such as license suspension are attracting criticism.
The Social Ministry in Baden-Württemberg emphasized the need for careful consideration, stating that revoking driving licenses could negatively impact employment opportunities for those responsible for making payments. The ministry indicated that further sanctions should only be considered after avenues for improving the economic circumstances of obligated parents have been exhausted, as this directly influences the recovery rate – the amount of money the state successfully recoups.
Current recovery rates remain low. In Baden-Württemberg, the rate stood at 21% in 2024, while in Bavaria it was slightly over 20%, according to respective state ministries. Nationally, costs for maintenance advances rose to €3.2 billion in 2024, a significant increase of €551 million compared to the previous year. On average, the state only recovers 17% of these advances.
Political responses to the proposed measures are varied. Anja Reinalter, a family policy spokesperson for the Green Party, supports stricter sanctions but stresses the importance of comprehensive support for single parents, such as tax credits or improved consideration of child benefits when calculating maintenance advances.
Nicole Gohlke, a Member of Parliament for The Left party, advocates for increased support for single parents in enforcing child support claims. She expressed reservations about harsher penalties, questioning their effectiveness in improving payment compliance. She suggests that such measures could prove problematic from a left-wing perspective.
