Germany to limit child maintenance advance payments to age 16 under reform plan

Bundesfamilienministerin Karin Prien (CDU) has announced plans to limit state-provided child maintenance advance payments to children only up to their 16th birthday. This marks a significant change from the current system, which allows payments until the child's 18th birthday.
The proposal is part of a draft bill aimed at reforming the Child Maintenance Advance Payment Act. According to a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, the reform is necessary due to budget constraints. "The expenditures for the maintenance advance have quadrupled since the 2017 reform, and the maintenance advance has become one of the largest cost factors for municipalities," the spokesperson explained.
The current system, which has been in place since July 1, 2017, allows for maintenance advance payments until the child's 18th birthday without any time limit. Before 2017, payments were only made until the child's 12th birthday and for a maximum of 72 months.
The proposed reform has faced criticism from the German Children's Fund. Spokesperson Uwe Kamp argued that the change, along with recent cuts to child allowances, would further exacerbate poverty among children and youth. "The everyday life of children living in poverty is already marked by deprivation and often shame. In all areas, children and youth affected by poverty cannot fully develop their potential," Kamp said.
In addition to limiting the age for maintenance advance payments, the reform aims to improve the recovery of maintenance payments from delinquent parents. Measures include stricter sanctions, such as revoking driver's licenses for those who provide false information or fail to disclose necessary details.
The federal government covers 40% of the costs for the maintenance advance payments, with the remainder borne by municipalities. The increasing costs have been a significant factor in the decision to reform the system.
The proposal is expected to be presented as a draft bill soon, with the goal of providing reliable support for single parents, particularly those with younger children who require more care.
The German Children's Fund has expressed concern that the reform will further worsen the situation of children living in poverty. "The everyday life of children living in poverty is already marked by deprivation and often shame. In all areas, children and youth affected by poverty cannot fully develop their potential," Kamp said.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to manage the increasing costs of social welfare programs. The federal government has been under pressure to reduce spending, and the maintenance advance payments have been identified as a significant cost factor.
The reform also includes measures to improve the recovery of maintenance payments from delinquent parents. These measures include stricter sanctions, such as revoking driver's licenses for those who provide false information or fail to disclose necessary details.
The proposal is expected to be presented as a draft bill soon, with the goal of providing reliable support for single parents, particularly those with younger children who require more care.
The German Children's Fund has expressed concern that the reform will further worsen the situation of children living in poverty. "The everyday life of children living in poverty is already marked by deprivation and often shame. In all areas, children and youth affected by poverty cannot fully develop their potential," Kamp said.
The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to manage the increasing costs of social welfare programs. The federal government has been under pressure to reduce spending, and the maintenance advance payments have been identified as a significant cost factor.
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