The maintenance allowance (Unterhaltsbeihilfe) is a monthly payment to trainee lawyers and teachers in some states and training routes, where trainee pay (Anwärterbezüge) is not paid. Despite its name, it is a separate benefit with its own legal basis and not a maintenance claim. This guide explains where it occurs and how you can check the amount for yourself.
Short answer: The maintenance allowance is a monthly payment during the preparatory service for people who do not receive trainee pay. It is based on state law and differs by state and training. For North Rhine-Westphalia, the regulation sets a basic amount of 1,585.17 euros (status 1 April 2026), plus the family supplement. For other states, ask the responsible office for the amount.
The essentials at a glance
- The maintenance allowance is paid during the preparatory service where no trainee pay is provided.
- It is a separate benefit with its own legal basis, usually a state regulation.
- For North Rhine-Westphalia, the basic amount is documented as 1,585.17 euros (status 1 April 2026).
- For the other states this guide gives no figure. The responsible office provides it.
- Family supplements can be added in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the regulation sets out the rules.
How does it differ from trainee pay?
Trainee pay is the salary of civil servants on revocable appointment for their preparatory service. The maintenance allowance is support for living costs that rests on its own legal basis. Whether you receive one or the other is decided by the rules of your state for your training.
How high is the maintenance allowance?
A fixed figure can only be given where an official regulation exists. For North Rhine-Westphalia, the regulation on the granting of a monthly maintenance allowance sets a basic amount of 1,585.17 euros, status 1 April 2026. The family supplement comes on top if it applies to you. According to the regulation, it is limited until 28 February 2027, after which the version in force at the time applies.
Assumption: in North Rhine-Westphalia you receive only the basic amount without supplements. Then the amount is 1,585.17 euros per month. Whether and how this amount is taxed should be clarified with your tax office.
Who does the maintenance allowance apply to?
It mainly concerns trainee lawyers and teachers whose training is not paid through trainee pay. In the legal traineeship this is the case in some states. Whether you are affected is decided by the regulation of your state and by the office that manages your training. If you are unsure, ask in writing.
How does it relate to health insurance?
The maintenance allowance is money for living costs. Beihilfe, on the other hand, is a contribution towards medical costs. Both benefits are regulated separately, even though they are often mentioned together in everyday life. The rules for health insurance are explained in Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims.
Where do you find the binding figure?
The binding source is the regulation or law of your state in its current version. A summary is only a starting point. Which office is responsible is set by state law. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the State Office for Pay and Pensions (Landesamt für Besoldung und Versorgung) pays and decides on the grant (sections 1 and 7 of the regulation). The president of the higher regional court (Oberlandesgericht) can reduce the basic amount under certain conditions (section 5). In other states, you can find the responsible office through your higher regional court or the website of the state ministry of justice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the maintenance allowance taxable?
That depends on your situation and the legal basis. An estimate is possible with the tax calculator of the Federal Ministry of Finance. Only your tax office can give a binding answer.
Can I receive maintenance allowance and trainee pay at the same time?
State law regulates this. Do not simply assume it, but have the question answered in writing before you plan with it.
Is there a maintenance allowance in every federal state?
No. The rules differ, and each state must be checked individually. Figures from North Rhine-Westphalia do not apply to other states.
Do I have to apply for the maintenance allowance myself?
Whether and how you apply is set out in your state’s regulation. If you are unsure, your training authority will help. Submit documents as completely as possible and keep copies.
What to do now
- Check in your notice or contract whether you receive trainee pay or a maintenance allowance.
- Look up the legal basis for your state and your training.
- Ask the responsible office for the current version and the status of the figure.
- Plan your finances only with the amount confirmed in writing, not with an estimate.
Related reading
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Law student insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Legal Traineeship Insurance: Guide for Lawyers
- Referendariat: Anwärterbezüge nach Bundesland (in German)
Sources: Regulation on the granting of a monthly maintenance allowance, North Rhine-Westphalia (status 1 April 2026) (in German), Tax calculator of the Federal Ministry of Finance (accessed October 2026).
Stand: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
