Advance on Child Support
An advance on child support is a substitute payment for child support that the other parent has failed to pay. It helps ensure your child’s financial well-being. This includes, among other things, costs for food, clothing, housing, hobbies and leisure activities, schooling, and allowance.
Your way to the application
Most agencies that handle advance child support payments offer an online application for advance child support. The most widely used is the nationwide online application “Unterhaltsvorschuss Online.”
It’s best to submit your application online—that’s the fastest way.
Benefits of Online Advance Child Support Payments
- You will be guided step by step through the online application.
- You will only see the questions that are relevant to you.
- You can submit the application and all supporting documents entirely online.
- You can save your data at any time.
Please enter your city or ZIP code below. If an online application is available for your municipality, the link will be displayed here.
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Why should I specify a location?
With the help of the location information, we can display the information, forms and services suitable for you and your responsible office.
Which location should I specify?
For example, your place of residence if you want to apply for a passport or the company location if you want to register a business.
If you are unable or unwilling to take advantage of the online application, you can also fill out a paper application. You can usually download the paper application from your municipality’s website or pick it up directly from your advance child support office.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, local governments process applications for advance child support payments. The staff at your advance child support office can advise you on all questions regarding advance child support payments and the application process—in person, by phone, or by email.
To allow us to display the contact information for your advance child support office, please enter your ZIP code or city.
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As a rule, you will need at least the following documents:
- your child’s birth certificate
- if available: proof of acknowledgment of paternity for children born out of wedlock
- if available: a child support order
Depending on your specific case, the application may indicate that you need to provide additional documentation.
There are no costs to you.
Simply explained
The advance on child support is a substitute payment for child support that the other parent has failed to pay.
Your child has a legal right to the advance on child support if no child support is paid or if it is not paid regularly. It serves to financially secure the child’s basic needs. You should therefore not hesitate to apply for the advance child support payment if your child meets the eligibility requirements. Your local advance child support office will assist you with the application.
You can also file a free application for guardianship to clarify and enforce child support claims.
This explanatory video provides information about advance child support payments.
What requirements must be met?
You can receive an advance on child support if
- your child is under 18 years of age,
- you are a single parent and your child’s primary residence is in your household, and
- your child receives no child support or no regular child support from the other parent, or the child support payments are below the statutory minimum.
You can also receive an advance on child support if the other parent participates in the child’s care. However, you must bear the primary responsibility for the child’s upbringing. Advance child support is also paid if you have joint custody with the other parent.
If your child is between 12 and 17 years old, one of the following two additional requirements must be met:
- Your child is not dependent on basic income support, or
- You receive basic income support and have at least 600 euros gross per month available without child benefit.
Children under 12 years of age receive advance child support even if they receive basic income support. However, the advance on child support is offset against the basic income support.
What do I get?
The advance on child support for 2026 is 227 euros per month for children up to age 5, 299 euros per month for children ages 6 to 11, and 394 euros per month for children ages 12 to 17.
| Age of the child | Minimum Child Support (Standard Amount) | Less child support | Amount Advance on Child Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–5 years | 486 euros | 259 euros | 227 euros |
| 6–11 years | 558 euros | 259 euros | 299 euros |
| Ages 12–17 | 653 euros | 259 euros | 394 euros |
Important to Know
Maintenance payments from the other parent, as well as orphan’s benefits that a child receives following the death of a parent, are deducted from the advance on child support. For children who no longer attend a general education school, other income earned by the child—such as an apprenticeship stipend—may also be taken into account when calculating the advance on child support under certain conditions.
Where can I get help and advice?
In North Rhine-Westphalia, local governments process applications for advance child support payments. The staff at your advance child support office can advise you on all questions regarding advance child support payments and the application process—in person, by phone, or by email.
To allow us to display the contact information for your advance child support office, please enter your ZIP code or city.
Find advice
Frequently asked questions and answers
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