Germany's planned child maintenance cuts to affect thousands of teens

Planned restrictions on child maintenance payments in Germany are set to impact thousands of families in Saxony-Anhalt. Approximately 4,700 teenagers aged 16 and 17 currently receive these payments, according to the state's Social Ministry. The ministry noted that the number of recipients in younger age groups suggests even more adolescents could be affected if the reform proceeds.

Most recipients are children living with single mothers whose fathers do not pay child support. Only 9 percent of recipients in Saxony-Anhalt live with their fathers. The federal government, led by Family Minister Karin Prien, proposes ending payments at age 16, a move opposed by the SPD, its coalition partner.

“

This shows that even more young people could be affected in the future if the reform were to be implemented.

Until 2017, these payments were only provided until age 12. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU has highlighted a quadrupling of costs for this benefit over eight years, deeming it unsustainable amid municipal financial crises and a significant federal deficit. However, Saxony-Anhalt's Social Minister Petra Grimm-Benne (SPD) criticized the austerity measures, stating that the state should increase pressure on non-paying parents rather than burdening children. She emphasized that child maintenance payments are intended to prevent child poverty and ensure equal opportunities for all children.

“

The state must increase pressure on those liable for maintenance and not on children, who are least to blame for the situation.