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In future, more volunteers will be able to apply for the NRW volunteer card: 200 instead of 250 hours per year or 4 instead of 5 hours per week of voluntary work are required to receive the volunteer card. With the card, committed citizens receive over 5,000 benefits throughout the state.

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.

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.

Are you looking for services for families in your area or do you need local support? Many cities bundle activities, local advice services and contact points for families on a local online portal. You can now find a revised online search for these portals on Familienportal.NRW.

How are families doing today? What is needed for a good family life? On February 28, 2026, families from all over North Rhine-Westphalia are invited to talk to each other at the Familiendialog.NRW in Essen. The registration deadline is February 25, 2026.

A toast to carnival tradition and togetherness across generations: on February 4, 27 child and youth prince and princess couples as well as triumvirates from all over North Rhine-Westphalia were honored with the carnival medal by Minister President Hendrik Wüst.

The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has appointed Petra Ladenburger as the new Commissioner for Child Protection and Children's Rights for the next five years. The specialist lawyer for family law and expert in the field of child protection and protection against violence wants to ensure that the rights of children and young people are considered and taken into account in all political decisions and social debates. (Photo: MKJFGFI / B. Thissen)

Health insurance for children: private or statutory?

Resource and advice centers for parents with a queer child

Anyone experiencing health or economic burdens following a COVID-19 vaccination can now contact the newly established clearing office of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs. Those affected from North Rhine-Westphalia can receive free and individual advice on support options.