Germany provided approximately 3.2 billion euros in maintenance advances to single parents last year, according to figures released by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and reported by the Funke Media Group newspapers. This represents an increase of around 551 million euros compared to the previous year.
A relatively small portion of these funds were recovered from the parents obligated to pay maintenance. The recovery rate for 2024 stood at 17 percent, equating to 545 million euros. While this figure represents a slight decrease from previous years, it remains consistent with the average recovery rate since 2018.
Maintenance advances are available to single parents when the other parent fails to pay child support regularly. The state is then entitled to reclaim these funds from the defaulting parent, however, full recovery remains elusive in most cases. The federal government covers 40 percent of the costs associated with these advances.
Both the governing Union and Social Democratic parties (SPD) committed in their coalition agreement to increase pressure on non-paying parents, including the potential implementation of stricter sanctions such as license suspension. Furthermore, the agreement outlines plans to enhance support for single-parent families by halving the amount of child allowance currently deducted from maintenance advance payments – a practice currently applying the full amount.
The Association of Single Mothers and Fathers has welcomed the proposed change regarding child allowance as a “much-needed improvement” that would significantly benefit single parents and should be prioritised. Association President Daniela Jaspers stated that linking this reform to increased recovery rates to fund it is unrealistic, advocating instead for a dedicated, secure funding stream within the federal budget to ensure the long-term viability of the enhanced maintenance advance.
