Child Support: Saxony Remains at the Forefront in Father's Shares - Generous Paternal Benefits: Saxony Consistently Leads in the Percentage of Claiming Fathers
Saxony consistently leads the way in father participation for parental benefits in Germany. In 2024, roughly 30% of recipients were fathers, according to the State Statistical Office, making it the top contender nationwide, similar trends observed in previous years. Following closely are Baden-Württemberg (28.1%) and Bavaria (27.8%). The lowest father participation was found in Saarland (20.6%).
While the number of parents in Saxony receiving parental benefits has been on a downward trend, with 63,912 parents benefiting in 2024 - a reduction of approximately 8,000 from 2023 and 26,600 fewer than in 2018.
Decrease in Births
A nationwide decline was observed in recipients, decreasing by around 95,000 people or 5.4% compared to 2023. Simultaneously, a approximately 15% decline was observed in the number of births over the same period. Parental benefits serve as an income replacement for parents who take time off work after the birth of a child.
The average duration planned for parental benefits among women in 2024 remained unchanged at 14.8 months. Men, on the other hand, sought significantly shorter durations, averaging at 3.8 months.
Discussion on Parental Benefits
Starting April 2025, parental benefits will be limited to single parents and couples with an annual taxable income of up to €175,000 (if the child is born on or after April 1, 2025). Previously, the income threshold was €250,000 (reduced in April 2024) and initially set at €300,000. The change in policy has sparked a debate surrounding the potential complete abolition of parental benefits.
- Parental Benefits
- Saxony
- Fathers
- Leadership
- Germany
- Economics
- Work-Life Balance
- Cultural Norms
- Saarland
- Baden-Württemberg
- Bavaria
- Saxony's leadership in Germany's parental benefits system is particularly evident in the high participation of fathers, with nearly one-third of recipients in 2024 being fathers, demonstrating a notable cultural shift in work-life balance.
- Despite a lowering number of parents claiming parental benefits in Saxony due to a decrease in births, the benefits continue to be a crucial economic aid for fathers, who tend to take shorter leave durations compared to mothers.
- The upcoming policy change in April 2025, which lowers the income threshold for parental benefits eligibility to €175,000, could potentially impact the already high father participation in parental benefits in Saxony, starting a debate about the overall future of these benefits in Germany.
