Childcare, parenting, work, household chores: Single parents shoulder most of the responsibility on their own. Financial worries are compounded when the other parent pays no child support—or does not pay it regularly. In this situation, single parents can apply for an advance on child support.

An orphan's pension provides financial support to children when one or both parents have died. Minors, as well as children and adolescents who are still in school or vocational training, are eligible. If one parent has died, a half-orphan's pension is paid. An orphan’s pension is paid when both parents have died. You must apply for the orphan’s pension with the appropriate pension insurance provider.

If your spouse or partner dies, you may be eligible for a survivor’s pension (widow’s or widower’s pension). This pension can help alleviate financial hardship.

If you wish to have an abortion, you may, under certain conditions, apply to your statutory health insurance provider to have the costs covered.

If a doctor has determined that you cannot get pregnant naturally and artificial insemination is suitable, statutory health insurance companies will cover part of the costs under certain conditions.

For example, if you are temporarily unable to manage your household due to illness, you can apply for assistance to help you continue managing your household. This assistance is part of social assistance and is granted only if you are not already receiving a similar benefit from your statutory health insurance provider or another insurance carrier.

All parents receive child benefit. With child benefit, the state supports parents so that they can provide well for their children. Child benefit is paid at least until the child's 18th birthday.

Have you been offered a childcare spot for your child? Check with your local youth welfare office to find out if there are any parental fees, how much they might be, and what the basis for calculating the fee is.

In some families, money is tight. If the parents’ income isn’t enough to adequately provide for the entire family, the government provides a monthly supplement in addition to child benefits. Find out here when you’re eligible for the child supplement and how to apply for it.

If you have statutory health insurance, you can add family members to your coverage at no additional cost under certain conditions. You can submit the application to your statutory health insurance provider.

Many municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer families with children a family pass. This pass helps families, for example, by providing access to recreational activities or discounts on local shopping. You must apply for the family pass.

If you would like to travel with your children and decide to stay at a family vacation resort, you may be eligible for financial assistance under certain conditions. This enables families facing financial difficulties to enjoy a vacation together.

If you are temporarily unable to manage your household on your own due to a serious illness, a spa treatment, or a hospital stay, you may be eligible for household assistance under certain conditions. You can apply for this assistance through your statutory health insurance provider.

If you are temporarily unable to manage your household due to pregnancy or childbirth, you may be eligible for household assistance under certain conditions. You can apply for this assistance through your statutory health insurance provider.

Tenants and owners who live in their own apartment or house can receive housing benefit. Here you can find out whether you can receive housing benefit and how to apply for it.

You receive housing benefit and your total income, your rent burden or the number of household members has increased - then you can apply for an increase in housing benefit.

If you are already receiving housing benefit and your income situation has not improved significantly since your initial application, you can apply for continued benefit.

During the maternity protection period, (expectant) mothers are under special legal protection. They are not allowed to work for a certain period before and after the birth. The Maternity Protection Act ensures that mothers are not financially disadvantaged during this time. Employees receive up to 100 percent of their previous net income, consisting of maternity pay and an employer's allowance.

When the birth of triplets or other multiples is announced, parents face particular challenges. This is why parents of multiples receive additional support in the form of a multiple birth grant.

If you look after your child after the birth, the parental allowance compensates for part of the loss of income.

Financial Support for Education and Participation in Social and Cultural Life: All the Information at a Glance

If your spouse or domestic partner dies as a result of a work-related accident or occupational disease, the statutory accident insurance provides financial support to the surviving dependents in the form of a widow’s or widower’s pension. If such an insured event occurs, you will receive this pension from your employers’ liability insurance association or accident insurance fund.