North Rhine-Westphalia makes it easier to access the volunteer card

The eligibility requirements for the NRW volunteer card are being reduced from 250 to 200 hours per year or from five to four hours per week of voluntary work.

This article is part of the special topic Volunteering is a matter of honor

The North Rhine-Westphalia State Parliament The state of North Rhine-Westphalia has decided to simplify the eligibility requirements for the NRW volunteer card. In the future, 200 hours of volunteer work per year, or four hours per week, will be sufficient to receive a volunteer card. Previously, 250 hours per year or five hours per week were required. Furthermore, volunteers may receive an expense allowance, provided it does not exceed the tax-free allowance of €960 for volunteers or €3.300 for trainers. 

"Those who dedicate themselves to helping others deserve thanks and recognition. By lowering the eligibility requirements, we are strengthening volunteer work. Our goal is to inspire even more people to volunteer and to provide long-term support for existing volunteer efforts," says Andrea Milz, State Secretary for Sport and Volunteering in North Rhine-Westphalia. Holders of a volunteer card can take advantage of around 5.000 discounts at businesses and institutions throughout the state. These include reduced admission to swimming pools or museums, for theater or music events, as well as lower fees for adult education courses or discounts at retailers.

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