Child Maintenance Calculator 2026
Calculate child maintenance with the Düsseldorf Table 2026: minimum maintenance, child benefit offset and minimum retained amount at a glance
As of September 2026Basis: Düsseldorf Table 2026 (Higher Regional Court Düsseldorf)Calculated in your browser – your inputs are not transmitted and are kept on this device only if you choose
Adjusted monthly net income of the paying parent · tap or drag
More detailsnet without adjustment
The paying parent is , other children entitled to maintenance.
Children (1)
Child 1: years,
Total monthly maintenance
Income group 6 · 128%
€585.50
€585.50For one child a total of €585.50 a month – income group 6 of the Düsseldorf Table (128% of the minimum maintenance).
| Child | Table amount | Child benefit | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child 18 yrs · 6-11 years | €715.00 | − €129.50(½) | €585.50 |
RZ-26 · headon.pro
Your row in the Düsseldorf Table 2026
Income group 6 · Adjusted net income: €3,701 – €4,100 · Percentage of the minimum maintenance: 128%
0-5 years
€623
6-11 years
€715
12-17 years
€836
18+ years
€894
Highlighted: your children's age bands.
Look up all amounts: Düsseldorf Table 2026 with your row
What you can do
From about €3,750 net: income group 7+€44
This much more maintenance would then be payable each month.
About the Düsseldorf Table
By default, the table applies to 2 dependants. With more children there is a downgrade, with fewer an upgrade. The child benefit (€259/2026) is offset by half for minors.
How this was calculated
Income calculation
- Adjusted income
- €3,500.00
- Minimum retained amount
- − €1,450.00
- Available for maintenance
- €2,050.00
- Total monthly maintenance
- €585.50
Legal note:
The Düsseldorf Table is a guideline, not a law. The actual maintenance amounts may differ in individual cases. For binding calculations, please consult a specialist family lawyer or the responsible youth welfare office.
Understanding child maintenance: the Düsseldorf Table
The Düsseldorf Table is the nationwide guideline for child maintenance. It is updated annually by the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court and takes into account the income of the person liable to pay and the age of the child.
Important: the table assumes two dependants. With more children there is a downgrade, with fewer an upgrade in the income group.
The 15 income groups 2026
- Group 1 (minimum maintenance)
- Up to €2,100 net: €486 (0-5 yrs), €558 (6-11 yrs), €653 (12-17 yrs), €698 (18+)
- Group 5
- €3,301-3,700 net: €584 (0-5 yrs), €670 (6-11 yrs), €784 (12-17 yrs), €838 (18+)
- Group 10
- €5,301-5,700 net: €778 (0-5 yrs), €893 (6-11 yrs), €1,045 (12-17 yrs), €1,117 (18+)
- Group 15
- €9,701-11,200 net: €972 (0-5 yrs), €1,116 (6-11 yrs), €1,306 (12-17 yrs), €1,396 (18+)
Example: €3,500 net, 1 child (8 years)
What affects the maintenance?
- 1Net incomeThe adjusted net income determines the income group. Work-related expenses can be deducted.
- 2Age of the childThe 4 age brackets (0-5, 6-11, 12-17, 18+) have different requirement rates.
- 3Number of childrenWith more than 2 dependants, the table is downgraded.
- 4Priority maintenanceUnder § 1609 no. 1 BGB, minor children take priority over spousal maintenance — spousal maintenance is not deducted from the income here.
- Adjusted net income
- €3,500
- Income group (base)
- 5
- Upgrade (only 1 instead of 2 children)
- → Group 6 (128%)
- Table amount (6-11 years)
- €715
- - Child benefit (½ of €259)
- €129.50
- Payment amount
- €585.50
Minimum retained amount: the basic needs of the payer
The minimum retained amount is the amount that must remain with the person liable to pay. It is intended to ensure that the payer can also cover their own living costs.
In 2026, the minimum retained amount towards minor children is €1,450 for those in employment and €1,200 for those not in employment.
Minimum retained amount 2026
- Employed towards minors
- €1,450 per month
- Employed towards adults
- €1,750 per month
- Not employed towards minors
- €1,200 per month
- Not employed towards adults
- €1,750 per month
Frequently asked questions about child maintenance
Key facts on the Düsseldorf Table and maintenance calculation
How do I calculate child maintenance 2026 with the Düsseldorf Table?
Step 1: determine the adjusted net income of the person liable to pay. Step 2: read off the income group in the Düsseldorf Table 2026. Step 3: take the table amount for the age bracket of the child. Step 4: subtract the child benefit offset (minor: half the child benefit = €129.50). The result is the monthly payment amount. Our calculator handles all steps automatically.
What is the Düsseldorf Table 2026?
The Düsseldorf Table 2026 is the nationwide maintenance guideline of the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court, updated on 1 January 2026. It grades child maintenance into 15 income groups (up to €2,100 up to €11,200 net) and 4 age brackets (0–5, 6–11, 12–17, 18+ years).
How high is the minimum maintenance in 2026?
The minimum maintenance 2026 (income group 1, up to €2,100 net) is: €486 for children up to 5 years, €558 for 6–11 years, €653 for 12–17 years and €698 for adult children. After deducting half the child benefit (€129.50), this gives, for example, a payment amount of €356.50 for the youngest age bracket.
How is child benefit offset against maintenance?
For minor children, half the child benefit (€129.50 at €259 child benefit from 2026) is deducted from the table amount. For adult children, the full child benefit is offset. The remaining amount is the actual payment amount.
What is the minimum retained amount for child maintenance 2026?
The minimum retained amount is the amount that must at least remain with the person liable to pay. In 2026, towards minor children this is: €1,450 for those in employment and €1,200 for those not in employment. If the income after deducting the maintenance falls below this, there is a hardship case.
What is a hardship case for child maintenance?
A hardship case exists when the income of the person liable to pay is not enough to pay full maintenance for all children while also retaining the minimum retained amount (€1,450 for those in employment). The maintenance is then reduced proportionally according to the hardship distribution.
How long does child maintenance have to be paid?
Child maintenance has to be paid until the child is economically independent. This is typically the case on completion of the first vocational training or first degree. Adults are generally under an obligation to seek employment.