Advance maintenance calculator
If the other parent pays no or too little maintenance, the Jugendamt steps in. Enter your child’s date of birth to see how much there is and for how long.
How much?
In 2026 it is €227 a month up to age 5, €299 from 6 to 11 and €394 from 12 to 17. That is the minimum maintenance minus Kindergeld. If the other parent pays something, it is deducted.
How long?
Until the 12th birthday without further conditions and without a time limit. From 12 to 18 only if your child does not receive Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld), no longer needs it with the advance maintenance, or you have at least €600 income. The higher age group applies from the month in which your child turns 6 or 12.
Under discussion: only until 16
Family minister Prien has proposed paying advance maintenance only until the 16th birthday. Nothing has been passed (as of October 2026). The calculator uses the current law, so until 18.
New partner, marriage, living together
A new partner without marriage changes nothing. If you marry and live together, advance maintenance ends. If you live with the other parent again, there is none.
Applying, Elterngeld and Kindergeld
You apply at the Jugendamt; retroactively there is at most the previous month. What applies to you for Elterngeld is shown in Elterngeld for single parents, Kindergeld in the Kindergeld calculator.
Common questions
How much is advance maintenance in 2026?
€227 up to age 5, €299 from 6 to 11 and €394 from 12 to 17 a month, if the other parent pays nothing.
How long is advance maintenance paid?
Until the 18th birthday, from 12 only under conditions. There is no time limit. It has been proposed to pay it only until 16, but this has not been passed.
Is maintenance deducted?
Yes. What the other parent pays each month is deducted, as is a half-orphan’s pension.
Do I get advance maintenance with a new partner?
Yes, as long as you are not married. Only if you marry and live together does it end.
Does the other parent have to pay the money back?
Yes, as far as they can pay. The Jugendamt claims the advance maintenance back from them.
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