Family Recreation in Easy-to-Read Language

Families with children should be able to go on vacation.

Even if they don't have much money.  

That’s why there’s a program in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The program is called Familien-Erholung NRW.

Families with limited financial means can use it to receive financial assistance for a vacation.

• How does the family retreat work?
• Who is eligible for financial assistance?
• How much does the vacation cost?
• Where do you submit the application?
• What do you need to apply?
• Where can you get help?

You are vacationing at a family vacation resort.

A family vacation resort is a vacation home for families. 

The family vacation home can be:

• in North Rhine-Westphalia
• or in another federal state.

You can stay for 3 to 6 nights.

Meals and drinks are provided there.

And there are recreational activities for families.

Would you like to know what vacation homes are available? 

Then check out the website of the travel service.

The website is not in easy-to-read language. 

The Family Recreation program is for families with limited financial means.

Generally, the following applies:

• You live in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• You have at least one child under the age of 18.
• The child lives with you.
• The child is coming along on vacation.

Important:
You can only participate once every 2 years. 

Whether you receive financial assistance
also depends on legal regulations.

The travel service will review this when you submit your application.

Families often have to pay a copayment.

Copayment means:

You pay a portion of the cost yourself. 

The copay is:

• 50 euros per adult
• 25 euros per child.

Does the family earn very little money? 

Then you may not have to pay a copayment.

Important:

You’ll also need spending money for your vacation.

You’ll have to bring that with you.

The vacation at the family resort is organized by a travel agency.

The travel agency is part of Diakonie Ruhr-Hellweg e. V.

You can only submit your application online. 

To do so, you must go to the travel service’s website. 

The website address is:
https://www.diakonie-reisedienst.de/familienerholung-nrw/

The page is written in complex language.

You’ll need some documents to apply.

1. Proof of child benefit

Do you receive child benefit?

If so, you’ll need proof of that. 

For example:

• a copy of your most recent bank statement
• or a letter from the family benefits office.

2. Proof of your income

You will also need an income tax assessment notice.

The tax assessment notice must be from last year. 

Don’t have an income tax assessment notice?

Then you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire.

3. Proof of Social Benefits

Do you receive social benefits? 

For example:

• Basic Income Support
• Social assistance

In that case, you’ll need a current notification letter.

Do you have any questions?

Or would you like to know:
Am I eligible for financial assistance? 

Then the Travel Service of Diakonie Ruhr-Hellweg e. V. can help.

You can call the Travel Service. 

Phone hours:

• Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Monday through Thursday: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Phone number: 0800 000 5627

The call is free. 

Or you can send an email to:

info@familienerholung-nrw.de