Other parent not paying support? Advance maintenance payment
When the other parent pays no support, single parents are often left with the costs. That is what the advance maintenance payment is for: the state steps in and recovers the money from the parent in default.
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Apply for the advance →Your chances of getting your money back
What you should do now
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1. Check the requirements
Does the child live with you, and is the other parent not paying (enough)? Then an advance maintenance payment comes into consideration.
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2. Apply at the youth welfare office
Submit the application to the advance maintenance payment office of the youth welfare office (documents: birth certificate, proof).
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3. Cooperate
Provide information about the other parent; the state recovers the advance from them.
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4. Also: secure support
Have the actual support claim established and formalized as a title (for example through the youth welfare office as an advisor).
Frequently asked questions
Who is entitled to an advance maintenance payment?
Single parents with whom the child lives and where the other parent pays no support or less than the minimum support. The advance is provided until the 18th birthday; from age 12, additional conditions apply. The application and advice run through the advance maintenance payment office of the youth welfare office.
Does the other parent have to repay the money?
Yes. The state first pays out the advance and then recovers the money from the parent liable for support, insofar as they are able to pay. For you it is important to provide the necessary information when applying; the authority handles the recovery.
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.