For parents who are dependent on benefits, it is often not easy to offer their children the same leisure and school opportunities as children from families with higher incomes. However, children and young people in need are also entitled to take part in day trips and shared lunches at school and daycare centres, as well as music, sports and games in clubs and groups. This is where the education and participation benefits of the so-called education package can help.

The support covers the following areas:

Up to the maximum age of 18:

• Participation in social and cultural life, for example in a sports club or music school, is subsidised with up to EUR 15.00 per month.

Up to a maximum of 25 years of age:

• The provision of personal school supplies is subsidised with EUR 174.00 per year (EUR 116.00 for the first half of the school year, EUR 58.00 for the second half).
• The costs of additional appropriate learning support are covered insofar as they are necessary to achieve the learning objectives set out in school regulations.
• The actual costs of one-day excursions organised by schools, day-care centres and day-care facilities are reimbursed.
• The actual costs of excursions lasting several days organised by day-care centres and childminders as well as school trips in accordance with school regulations will be reimbursed.
• Allowances are paid for communal lunchtime meals for pupils (if the school is responsible) and for children in day-care centres and day-care facilities.
• The necessary actual expenses for transport to the nearest school of the chosen educational programme (monthly school tickets) are covered.