Parents don't pay maintenance: applying for a BAföG advance payment

With BAföG, the parents' income is generally credited, even if they actually pay no maintenance. So that you do not go empty-handed, there is the advance payment: the office pays you the credited amount and collects the money directly from your parents.

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Your chances of getting your money back

If your parents do not pay the maintenance credited toward the BAföG, you can apply for an advance payment. The office pays you the missing part and asserts the maintenance claim against your parents itself.

You have to make it credible that your parents do not provide the maintenance. With the advance payment, your maintenance claim in this amount passes to the office.

What you should do now

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1. Prove the maintenance shortfall
Record that your parents do not pay the credited maintenance (letters, missing payments).
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2. Apply for the advance payment
File the application for the advance payment of the credited parental portion with the BAföG office.
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3. Cooperate
Provide details about your parents (income, address) so that the office can reclaim the maintenance.
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4. Secure continued payment
This way you receive your BAföG in full; the office conducts the dispute with the parents.

How to spot the scam

You forgo BAföG because your parents do not pay, which is not necessary.
You provide no details about the parents and thereby block the advance payment.
You wait too long and lose funding months.

Frequently asked questions

What is a BAföG advance payment?

If your parents do not pay the maintenance credited toward the BAföG, the office steps in: it pays you the missing amount as an advance payment and collects the money directly from your parents.

Do I have to take action against my parents?

No. With the advance payment, your maintenance claim in the amount of the benefit passes to the office; the office asserts it against the parents, not you.

What do I have to prove?

That your parents actually do not provide the credited maintenance. Provide details of their address and income circumstances so that the office can take action.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.