Open Letter on the Topic of Single Parents
Subject: Single parents in Germany don’t need a token four euros—they need effective support systems
Dear Ms. Prien,
We at Invest4Kids We speak daily with parents who want to provide for their children. In doing so, we see very clearly just how great the gap is between political theory and everyday reality. Single parents, in particular, tell us time and again that they are struggling under a system that is actually supposed to make their lives easier.
We regularly receive hundreds of messages and comments from mothers who speak openly about their financial and emotional situations. Their experiences show that, despite their hard work, dedication, and personal responsibility, the daily lives of many single parents remain marked by structural barriers, overwhelming workloads, and a lack of predictability.
1. Working at the limit – no relief despite personal initiative
Many single parents do far more than any one person can sustain over the long term. They work part-time, often holding down a second job, while also bearing sole responsibility for the household and children. Government assistance is rarely available, and the bureaucracy takes up additional time and energy.
“As a single mom with no support from the children’s father, I can only confirm that single parents don’t receive any support. I work as many hours as I possibly can on a part-time basis while taking care of my children, and I also have a side job that I do from home in the evenings after the kids go to sleep—without which it simply wouldn’t work.”
Despite these efforts, there is often little leeway left at the end of the month. The feeling of struggling without making any progress is a common theme in many people’s lives.
2. Lack of care services and increasing strain
In addition to financial challenges, the reality of childcare is also a major problem. Many parents report unreliable hours, frequent absences due to illness, and staff shortages at daycare centers. As a result, holding down a job becomes a daily source of uncertainty.
“I don’t need handouts from the government. I need time to work. Either fathers need to be required to take care of their children, or daycare centers need to finally start functioning reliably.”
The rising cost of childcare also places an additional burden on single parents.
“Child benefits are increasing, but so are daycare fees”
Reliable, affordable, and high-quality childcare is essential for parents to be able to work. In many places, this basic requirement is currently not being met.
3. Four euros more in child benefits – no real relief
The recently proposed increase in child benefit by four euros is viewed by nearly all single parents as purely symbolic. In the vast majority of cases, it does not result in any actual financial relief, because the amount is offset against advance child support payments or other benefits.
“I think a single mother receiving advance child support won’t see any of the increase, since it’s offset.”
“If child benefits go up, advance child support payments go down! Single parents without support get left behind!”
The result is paradoxical: a legally mandated increase does not, in practice, lead to any improvement in living conditions. In some cases, the support is even lower than before.
This practice is an example of how well-intentioned measures lose their effectiveness if they are not approached from a systemic perspective. Relief that does not reach people in their daily lives is no relief at all.
4. Structural Disadvantages and Poverty in Old Age
In the long run, this system means that single parents have little chance of building up savings or providing for their retirement. Many cannot work longer hours because they lack childcare. At the same time, any increase in income is immediately subject to deductions.
“People are forced to work fewer hours so as not to be ‘penalized.’ No one stops to think that, of course, this also means they can barely contribute to their own retirement, and poverty in old age is practically inevitable.”
Added to this is the unequal valuation of care work: mothers who raise children and thus secure the future of this country are economically disadvantaged.
“We’re raising children for a future in which they’ll contribute to an outdated and completely obsolete pension system. But we ourselves receive no compensation for taking care of them—and if we work part-time, we’re practically punished for it, even though we’re doing the most important job there is as mothers.”
5. Housing shortage and lack of planning certainty
Many single parents report that they cannot find an apartment despite having an income. Landlords often turn them down, and rising rents make family life in cramped quarters a constant struggle.
“I can’t find an apartment!!! I’m a single parent with twins. I’ve been looking for an affordable apartment for five years.”
Housing is the foundation of stability and inclusion—for children as well. If even that is not guaranteed, social equality becomes an empty phrase.
6. Summary
The feedback from our community paints a clear picture:
It is not a lack of motivation or a sense of responsibility, but rather a lack of political conditions that enable parents to manage both—work and family.
The current system is too complicated, too inflexible, and too out of touch with reality. We need a family policy that does more than just offer symbolic relief—it needs to actually make a difference.
Our Demands
- Reforming credit transfer systems:
An increase in child benefits must not lead to cuts in other benefits. Any financial relief must be felt by families. - Ensuring care instead of symbolic politics:
Investments in staff, infrastructure, and full-day programs are key to enabling parents to work. - Recognizing care work:
Parenting is a social contribution. It must be taken into account in pensions, taxes, and social security. - Cut red tape:
Access to services such as education and community participation must be simplified and expedited. - Adapting parental leave to real-life circumstances:
Parental allowance has not been increased since its introduction in 2007. Regular adjustments to account for inflation and real wage growth are necessary to provide parents with meaningful financial relief and restore the original purpose of the parental allowance. - Securing housing:
Single parents need priority access to public housing and fair rental terms in order to provide stability for their children.
Closing Remarks
Single parents do every day what is meant for two people. They juggle family, education, and work—often without any support. It is the responsibility of policymakers to acknowledge this reality and create conditions that do not penalize their efforts but rather enable them.
On behalf of the many mothers and fathers who share their experiences every day in our community,
The Invest4Kids Team
