Unterhaltsvorschuss

Unterhaltsvorschuss (maintenance advance) supports single parents when the other parent isn’t paying child support, whether due to absence, refusal, or inability to pay.

Quick Summary

If you’re raising a child alone and not receiving maintenance (child support) from the other parent, the Jugendamt (youth welfare office) pays you an advance directly, then pursues repayment from the other parent itself — you don’t have to chase it yourself.

Who Needs This

• You are a single parent, meaning the other parent doesn’t live in your household
• You are not receiving child support (or only receiving less than the Unterhaltsvorschuss amount) from the other parent
• You want financial support for your child without personally pursuing the other parent through the courts

Amounts (2026)

• €227/month for children aged 0–5
• €299/month for children aged 6–11
• €394/month for children aged 12–17

Eligibility

• Your child lives with you and not with the other parent.
• The other parent pays no maintenance, or pays less than the Unterhaltsvorschuss amount.
• Generally available regardless of your own income (unlike Kinderzuschlag), though there are some conditions for older teenagers regarding their own income.
• Available to eligible foreign nationals in the same way as other child benefits — check with your local Jugendamt regarding your specific residence permit.

Step-By-Step: Applying

1. Contact your local Jugendamt (youth welfare office) — Unterhaltsvorschuss is handled locally, not by the Familienkasse.
2. Provide proof that the other parent is not paying maintenance, or is paying less than the Unterhaltsvorschuss amount.
3. Provide the other parent’s details (name, and address if known) — the Jugendamt needs this to pursue recovery, though not knowing their whereabouts doesn’t automatically disqualify you.
4. Submit proof of your child’s residence with you and your own residence/Anmeldung.
5. Once approved, the Jugendamt pays you directly on an ongoing basis and separately pursues the non-paying parent to recover the funds — this recovery process does not affect your payments.

Combine with Kindergeld

Unterhaltsvorschuss is paid alongside Kindergeld, not instead of it — apply for both if you’re a single parent not receiving support from the other parent.

Common Documents

• Child’s birth certificate
• Proof of your custody/sole care arrangement
• Any correspondence or evidence showing the other parent isn’t paying maintenance
• Proof of Anmeldung for you and your child
• The other parent’s known contact details, if available

Common Mistakes

• Not applying because you don’t know the other parent’s current address — this alone doesn’t disqualify you
• Assuming this replaces Kindergeld rather than supplementing it
• Delaying the application while trying to resolve maintenance directly with the other parent first
• Not informing the Jugendamt promptly if the other parent starts paying maintenance again, which affects your ongoing eligibility

Important Note

Rules around the child’s own income (for teenagers) and duration limits can be specific to your situation. Confirm your exact entitlement with your local Jugendamt.