Green Party Leader Criticizes Plans to Reduce Child Maintenance Payments

Britta Haßelmann, the parliamentary leader of the Green Party, has voiced strong criticism against the German government's proposed reforms to the child maintenance system. She argues that these changes, along with potential cuts to parental allowance and a proposed €25 child immediate payment, consistently disadvantage the same groups: single parents, families, and children.

Haßelmann stated that the party is frequently confronted with new austerity measures proposed by the CDU/CSU and SPD parties. "We are constantly confronted with new austerity proposals from the CDU/CSU and SPD: maintenance payments, parental allowance, or the €25 immediate child payment to support children in poverty," she told AFP.

The Children's Aid organization echoed these concerns, calling for substantial reforms that benefit children and adolescents rather than implementing cuts that impact those already facing financial hardship. The Ministry of Family Affairs has indicated its intention to restrict the Unterhaltsvorschussgesetz (maintenance payment law).

A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the plan includes granting maintenance payments for children up to the age of 15. Currently, single parents can receive state maintenance support for children up to 18 years old if the obligated parent fails to pay, is unknown, or has died. The proposed restriction aims to narrow the scope of this support.

Haßelmann and the Children's Aid organization contend that these proposed limitations will negatively affect vulnerable families. They advocate for policies that strengthen support for children and single-parent households, rather than reducing existing provisions.