Vacation for everyone! Families in Schleswig-Holstein benefit from subsidies

Vacation for everyone! Families in Schleswig-Holstein benefit from subsidies

In Schleswig-Holstein, many families are affected by financial insecurity, especially in the summer, when the urge to go on vacation becomes obvious. According to the Federal Statistical Office, one in five people in Germany cannot afford a one-week vacation. An alarming picture emerges for Schleswig-Holstein: one in five children lives below the poverty line. To meet these challenges, the country launched a funding program eight years ago to help low-income families and single parents finance a vacation together.

The programs under the Youth Holiday Work Directive offer subsidies for family holidays and children's leisure activities. However, the opposition in the Kiel state parliament criticizes the fact that the awareness of this assistance leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, only 250 families benefited from the grant in 2024, compared to just 117 applications two years earlier.

Funding opportunities for families

Low-income families and single parents can apply for subsidies of up to 18 euros per person per travel day. This grant can cover up to 65% of the total holiday cost and is valid for trips lasting a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 days. This also includes trips abroad. The applications must be submitted to the responsible youth welfare office or the state youth council at least one month before departure. In retrospect, the program also supports holiday measures with up to 12 euros per day per child.

Financial need is usually proven by receiving certain social benefits, such as SGB II (Hartz IV), SGB XII (social assistance) or housing benefit. For families with large children and three or more children, a higher income limit of a maximum of 230% of the standard social assistance rates applies. Families with only one or two children have to be content with 180% of the regulations.

Call for better publicity

In this context, the South Schleswig Voters' Association (SSW) underlined the importance of the funding, but also denounced the lack of awareness. Greater promotion of the programs in schools, daycare centers, job centers and family centers is considered necessary. In addition, there is the demand of the German Social Association in Schleswig-Holstein for unbureaucratic access to these support offers.

A survey has shown that 13% of parents have difficulty financing leisure activities such as going to the swimming pool or going to the cinema. Despite the challenges, there are numerous inexpensive or even free activities for children and parents during the summer holidays in South Holstein. However, it remains to be hoped that through educational work among the population, more families can take advantage of the opportunity to which they are entitled.

In summary, despite the existing support programs, a lot of work is still needed to make them profitable and accessible to all affected families in Schleswig-Holstein.

For detailed information about the grants and the application process, those interested can visit the website NDR and SWP visit.