Germany is considering stricter measures to address rising costs associated with advance maintenance payments, also known as Unterhaltsvorschuss. While the federal government is exploring potential sanctions for parents failing to meet their obligations, proposed measures, including the suspension of driving licenses, are drawing scrutiny.
The Ministry of Social Affairs in Baden-Württemberg emphasized the need for careful consideration, stating that revoking driving licenses could hinder employment opportunities for some individuals. Officials indicated that a focus on improving economic conditions for parents is paramount, as this directly impacts the rate at which the state can recover advance payments. The “recovery rate” – the amount of money the state successfully recoups from obligated parents – currently stands at approximately 17% nationwide.
Data from Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria show recovery rates of 21% and over 20% respectively for 2024. However, costs for advance maintenance payments across Germany increased to 3.2 billion euros in 2024, a rise of 551 million euros compared to the previous year.
Political responses to the proposed stricter measures have been varied. Anja Reinalter, family policy spokesperson for the Green Party, supports stricter sanctions, but insists they must be coupled with targeted support for single parents, potentially through tax credits or adjustments to child benefit calculations.
Nicole Gohlke, a Member of Parliament for The Left party, advocates for increased support for single parents in enforcing maintenance claims. She voiced concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of harsher penalties, questioning whether they would genuinely improve payment compliance.