Advance on maintenance
Advanced maintenance payments are a compensation payment for missing maintenance payments from the other parent. It helps to secure the financial basis of your child's life. This includes costs for food, clothing, housing, hobbies and leisure activities, schooling and pocket money.
Your way to the application
Most maintenance advance offices offer an online application for maintenance advance. The most widespread is the nationwide online application "Unterhaltsvorschuss Online". However, some local authorities also use their own online applications.
It's best to submit your application online - it's the quickest way.
Advantages of advance maintenance payments online
- You will be guided through the online application step by step.
- You will only be shown the questions that are important to you.
- You can submit the application and all supporting documents completely paperless.
- You also have the option of saving your data temporarily at any time.
Please enter your place of residence or zip code below. If an online application is available for your municipality, the link will be displayed here.
Apply now
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 cannot or do not want to take advantage of the online application, you can also complete the application on paper. You can usually download the paper application from your local authority's website or collect it directly from your maintenance advance office.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the local authorities process applications for advance maintenance payments. The staff at your maintenance advance office will advise you on all questions relating to maintenance advance and the application process - on site, by telephone or by email.
To view the contact details of your maintenance advance office, please enter your zip code or place of residence.
Find advice
As a rule, you will need at least the following documents:
- your child's birth certificate
- if available: Proof of paternity acknowledgment for children born outside of a marriage
- if available: Maintenance title
If applicable, the application may indicate that you need to provide further evidence in your specific case.
There are no costs for you.
Simply explained
The maintenance advance is a compensation payment for missing maintenance payments from the other parent.
Your child is legally entitled to the maintenance advance if maintenance is not paid or not paid regularly. It is then used to financially secure the child's basic needs. You should therefore not refrain from applying for maintenance advance if your child meets the requirements. Your local maintenance advance office will help you with the application process.
You can also submit a free application for beistandschaft to clarify and claim maintenance entitlements.
You can find information about the maintenance advance in this explanatory video.
What requirements must be met?
You can receive maintenance advance if
- your child is under 18 years of age,
- you are a single parent and your child lives in your household and
- your child receives no or no regular maintenance from the other parent or the maintenance payments are below the statutory minimum maintenance.
You can also receive maintenance advance if the other parent is involved in looking after the child. However, you must have the primary responsibility for raising the child. Maintenance advance 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 conditions must also be met:
- Your child is not dependent on citizen's allowance or
- You receive citizen's allowance and have at least 600 euros gross per month available without child benefit.
Children under the age of 12 receive maintenance advance even if they receive citizen's allowance. However, the maintenance advance is offset against the citizen's allowance.
What do I get?
The maintenance advance for 2026 is €227 per month for children up to the age of 5, €299 per month for children aged 6 to 11 and €394 per month for children aged 12 to 17.
| Alter des Kindes | Mindestunterhalt (Regelbetrag) | Abzüglich Kindergeld | Höhe Unterhaltsvorschuss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 5 Jahre | 486 Euro | 259 Euro | 227 Euro |
| 6 - 11 Jahre | 558 Euro | 259 Euro | 299 Euro |
| 12 - 17 Jahre | 653 Euro | 259 Euro | 394 Euro |
Important to know
Alimony payments from the other parent and orphan's benefits that a child receives after the death of a parent are deducted from the maintenance advance. In the case of children who no longer attend a general school, other income of the child is also deducted from the maintenance advance under certain conditions, for example a training allowance.
Where can I get help and advice?
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the local authorities process applications for advance maintenance payments. The staff at your maintenance advance office will advise you on all questions relating to maintenance advance and the application process - on site, by telephone or by email.
To view the contact details of your maintenance advance office, please enter your zip code or place of residence.
Find advice
Frequently asked questions and answers
Did you already know? More benefits for families
You might also be interested in
Further information Links to read more
