Family Retreats in North Rhine-Westphalia
Your way to the application
The family retreat is organized by the Travel Service of Diakonie Ruhr-Hellweg e. V. Applications can only be submitted online via the Travel Service’s portal:
The portal also lets you quickly and easily check whether you are eligible for funding.
The travel service of Diakonie Ruhr-Hellweg e. V. will be happy to help you determine whether you are eligible for financial assistance.
If you have any questions about family retreats or the application process, please contact the Travel Service by phone at 0800 0005627 (toll-free):
- Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- or by email at info@familienerholung-nrw.de
To submit your application, you will need:
- current proof of child benefit receipt (for example, a copy of your most recent bank statement showing the account holder’s name or a payment notification).
- the complete income tax assessment from the previous year (a wage tax certificate alone is not sufficient). If you are not subject to income tax or a corresponding income tax assessment has not yet been issued, the income to be taken into account will be determined using a corresponding income questionnaire.
- If you are receiving social benefits such as basic income support or welfare at the time of application, you will also need a current benefit determination notice.
There are no costs associated with the application process.
Simply explained
A family vacation—beyond simply providing a chance to relax together—plays a key role in strengthening relationships between parents, and especially between parents and children.
The state of North Rhine-Westphalia supports vacations for low-income families, particularly single-parent families, large families, and families with children who require care or with a family member with a disability.
What requirements must be met?
The “Familienzeit NRW” program is aimed at low-income families who are eligible for assistance under Section 53 of the German Tax Code. In addition, the following requirements apply:
- The family must include at least one minor child who is traveling with them.
- The family must live together in the same household and reside in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Participation in the program is limited to once every two years.
What do I get?
As part of the program, a family vacation lasting three to six nights is offered at a family resort in North Rhine-Westphalia or elsewhere in Germany. Full board and various family-friendly activities are included for participating families.
Frequently asked questions and answers
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