Düsseldorf table 2026: Minimum maintenance remains at the poverty line!

Düsseldorf table 2026: Minimum maintenance remains at the poverty line!

On December 29, 2025, the revised Düsseldorf table 2026 published, which has been in force since January 1, 2026. This table is crucial for parents who need to pay support after a separation or divorce because it provides a clear framework for calculating child support. Compared to the previous year, there was only a slight increase in the minimum maintenance, which was due to an adjustment in child benefit.

The Düsseldorf table is expected to be valid until December 31, 2026 and determines the minimum amount of maintenance the parent with whom the child does not live must pay. Different income levels and age groups are taken into account. From the new year onwards, the child benefit for underage children is 259.00 euros and has a significant impact on the net payments, as these amounts are determined after deducting the child benefit.

Financial challenges for dependents

The situation for those liable for maintenance remains tense. The minimum maintenance is loud RegionalToday increased by only a marginal amount, which is criticized as insufficient given the constantly rising cost of living, especially for food and energy. The ISUV draws attention to the fact that more and more people who are obliged to pay maintenance are being forced to apply for citizen's benefit, often even as a top-up.

According to the values ​​required to calculate maintenance, an income of 1,750 euros and necessary personal needs of 1,450 euros result in a distribution amount of 300 euros. This means that with three children, including two minors, there is limited financial flexibility. Depending on the region, a gross salary of just 3,000 euros per month can reach the limits of the deductible.

Criticism of the Düsseldorf table

The critics, especially the ISUV, criticize the lack of flexibility of the Düsseldorf table, which is not adapted to the regionally different rental and living costs. Therefore, a regionalization of housing costs in the deductible is called for in order to create fairer conditions. The ongoing discussion about the social pressure to which maintenance debtors are exposed urgently needs to be strengthened, advocates the ISUV.

In addition, attention is drawn to the need to regularly review claims to ensure that an appropriate response can be made to changes in one's life situation. Particular emphasis is placed on the ISUV's recommendation to resolve conflicts in maintenance issues amicably in order to avoid lengthy and often very stressful legal proceedings.

Innovations and outlook

Two important innovations that were introduced with the Düsseldorf table 2026 are the adjusted deductible for grandchild support and a clearly defined deductible for parental support. These measures are part of the effort to design modern maintenance and visitation law that better takes into account the current realities of separated families.

In summary, it can be said that the Düsseldorf table, despite its still important role in family law, is not without criticism. Society should take a close look at developments in maintenance law in order to make the financial burdens fairer for all those who are obliged to pay maintenance. It is estimated that the next revision of the table will take place in 2028, when the social and financial realities need to be re-evaluated.

The Düsseldorf table remains a central component of German family law and will continue to be relevant for many of those affected. All those involved are called upon to take the changed framework conditions into account and make any necessary adjustments to their financial planning.