Easy language

This is the Internet site of Bocholt.
We will now explain the internet site to you.

But only the most important things:
There are pictures on some pages.
You can click on the pictures.
Then you will get information about the topic.

There are 6 large sections on our website.
You can click on the sections.
Then you will get to the page of the theme:

1. The start page
2. Town Hall and Citizen Services
3. Leisure and Tourism
4. Environment and building
5. Economy and work
6. Social Affairs and Education

On the right side there are green boxes with symbols on them.

You can click on these boxes.
Then you can make settings.
For example, the font size or the colours.

You can share information.

1. the start page

On the start page there is a lot of news.
You see a calendar of events.
There are the events in Bocholt.

For example:

• Concerts
• Theatre
• Exhibitions

The Bocholt logo is at the top of the page.
You can click on it.
Then you will always come back to the start page.

2. town hall and citizen service

This section is for people in Bocholt.
There is a lot of information about life in Bocholt.

There is information from politics and administration.

Here you will find addresses of departments and offices.

You will also find contact partners and opening hours.

For example about:

• Citizens' Advice Bureau
• Labour and Social Affairs
• Youth Welfare Office
• Building Authority
• Rubbish
• Kindergarten
• School
• Police
• Fire brigade

3. leisure and tourism

There are many interesting things to see in Bocholt.
On this page you will find information and tips.
For example: Where you can stay overnight .

Where you can go on an excursion .

Where you can go shopping .

Or where you can eat out in Bocholt.

4. environment and building

Here you can find information about building in Bocholt.
For example: about traffic and the environment.

Or where you can build a house in Bocholt.

5. economy and work

Here you will find information about the economy in Bocholt.

For example: on the topic of industry and trade.

6. social affairs and education

Here you will find information on the city library, the music school and the Volks-Hochschule.

You can find out more about culture in Bocholt.

You will get information about the schools in Bocholt.

And info on the sports clubs.

For example:

• Art
• Music
• Books
• Events
• Schools
• Sports clubs

Registration certificate

A registration certificate is a paper
with the registration data of a person.

We use the paper to confirm
Where a person is registered.
In other words, where the person lives.

You get from us
1 free registration certificate:

- When you register your flat
- When you change your address
- When you deregister your home.

Sometimes you need
another registration certificate.
For example:

- for an application to the authorities
- for passport matters
- or for private purposes.

There are different registration certificates.
Here we explain the differences:

Simple and extended registration certificate

There is the simple registration certificate.
It only states who is registered and where.
It does not contain any other details.

For more details you need an
extended registration certificate.

The extended registration certificate
contains registration data and additional information.

For example:
- Information on nationality

Nationality means:
A person belongs to a certain country.

For example:
Because the person was born there.
Or because the person immigrated to the country.

- Information on previous addresses
- Info on family status
This means, for example:
Whether a person is married or divorced.

You need an extended registration certificate, for example:
- for a wedding
- Or for passport matters.

How do I get a registration certificate?

If you need a registration certificate,
come to our office.

Address:
City of Bocholt
Citizens' registration office
Neutorplatz 3
46395 Bocholt

Please note:
The offices only have registration data up to 1985.

For older registration data you need an archive information.
For example: To confirm old addresses,
which are no longer in the registration register.
For this you need archive information.

Archive information

You can obtain registration data from before 1986 in the archive.
The archive has all the old papers and data.
That's why we often have to search longer in the archive.
That's why the archive information costs more
than a certificate from the office.

When do I need archive information?

You need an archive inquiry, for example
for your foreign pension or for private purposes.

How do I get an archive information?

If you need archive information,
please write us a letter.
Send the letter to this address:

City of Bocholt
Citizens' Advice Bureau
Neutorplatz 3
46395 Bocholt

Please note:
The archive information takes up to 6 weeks.

Do I have to go to the office in person?

Yes, you have to come to us.
You have to show us your identity card.
Or another passport of yours.

If you cannot come in person,
someone else can talk to us for you.
You have to trust the person.
You must give the person written permission.
The permission is called a power of attorney.
A power of attorney is a piece of paper.
On the paper, you allow a person
to do something for you.
You write the person's name on the paper.
You have to sign the paper.
By doing this, you allow the person
to go to the office for you.

The person has to show us these papers at the office:
- The power of attorney.
- And his or her identity card or passport.
- And your identity card or passport.

What do I need for a registration certificate?

You have to show us these papers:
- Your identity card
- or your passport

How much does the certificate cost?

You will receive from us
1 free registration certificate:

- When you register your flat
- When you change your address
- When you deregister your flat.

Each additional registration certificate costs 6 euros.

Attention:
Registration certificates with archive information cost more.

Where can I find the relevant laws?

The rules for the registration certificate
can be found in the Federal Registration Act.

Where can I get advice and help?

We will be happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. The Citizens' Advice Bureau page will open.

Read this page in everyday language.

Register, deregister or re-register a trade

A trade is an activity
with which you earn money.
For example, as a craftsman or trader.

You must register every commercial activity with the office.
This means: If you start an activity
with which you want to earn money,
you must register your trade with the office.

For example:
- When you start a business.
- When you open a restaurant.
- Or if you are self-employed.
When you stop working,
you must deregister your business at the office.

For example:
- When you stop working.
- When you close your business.

If there are changes, you must also come to us.
For example:
- When your job changes.
- When your address changes.
- If you hire new people.
Then you have to register your business
re-register.

Where can I register, deregister or re-register a trade?

Important:
There are different trades.
There are trades that require a permit.

This means:
You need a permit for the trade.
For example:
For restaurants you need a permit.
If you are a taxi driver, you need a permit.

There are also trades that do not require a permit.
You do not need a permit for these activities.
Please find out beforehand
whether you need a permit for your business.

Attention:
You must also go to the Cash and Tax Office.
The cash and tax office
also needs information about your business.

What do I need to register, deregister or change my registration?

Here you will find the forms and further information
for registering, deregistering and re-registering a business.

Information on registering a business

Information on deregistering a business

Information on re-registering a business

Information on travel business

Information on the catering trade

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Address:
City of Bocholt
Department of Public Order
Trade and catering matters
Neutorplatz 3
4695 Bocholt

Telephone 02871 953-250 or -357 or- 558

Register your flat

Are you moving to Bocholt?
Or you are moving in Bocholt?
Then you have to register your new flat.
You have to go to the registration office.

This only applies:
If you are often in the flat.
If you often sleep there.

Important:
There are exceptions.
Sometimes you don 't have to register the flat.
You can find more information here:

When do I have to register my flat?

You must register no later than 2 weeks
after you move in.

Important:
You must register your new flat.
Even if you are only moving in Bocholt.

How do I register my flat?

You fill out the registration form.
You can do this here.

Print out the registration form.

Important:
If you have a second flat in Germany
you must also fill in the supplementary sheet.

Click here with the mouse. Then the page of the Citizens' Registration Office will open.

We will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions .
Or don't understand something.

You have to sign the forms.
You come to our registration office.
You bring both forms with you.
And the other papers.

You can find more information under the heading:

What do I need to register?

You need to register:
- Your identity card
- Or your passport
- Or a replacement document
- Or the child's travel passport
- Or the birth certificate
- The registration form

Fill in the registration form

- The certificate from the landlord
or the landlord.
The certificate is called
Housing Provider Confirmation.

The landlord or landlady
must give you the certificate.

Then you have to hand in the certificate
at the registration office.
You have 2 weeks to do this.

Important:
The tenancy agreement is not sufficient for confirmation.
You must always hand in the certificate.

What if I have several flats?

You have several flats in Germany.
One flat is your main flat.
This is the flat you often stay in.
Every other flat is your secondary flat.

Important:
You must fill in a supplementary sheet .
If you have other flats.
You must show the supplementary sheet at the office.
Together with the registration form
for the main flat.

Registration form for main flat

Registration form for secondary dwelling

What if I cannot come?

You must not send the papers by post.
If you cannot come in person
someone else must come to register.
You must trust the person.
You must give the person written permission.

The permission is called a power of attorney.
A power of attorney is a piece of paper.
On the paper, you allow a person
to do something for you.

You write the person's name on the paper.
You have to sign the paper.
By doing this, you allow the person
to go to the office for you.

You have to sign the power of attorney.
The person has to show us these papers:

- The power of attorney with your signature.
- The registration form with your signature.
If you want to register more than 2 people
you will need to fill in more than one registration form.
- Your identity card or passport
- Certificate from the landlord or landlady.

You must always take the certificate from the landlord or landlady
or landlord/ landlady when you register.
It is called: Landlord 's certificate

Important:
The tenancy agreement is not sufficient proof.
You must always hand in the certificate.

When do I not have to register my flat?

You do not have to register your flat:
- If you have several flats in Germany

You have registered one flat
and now live in a second flat.
You do not have to register the second flat.
Nor do you have to deregister it.
If you live there for less than 6 months.

You must register the flat,
if you have lived in the second flat

- have lived in the second flat for longer than 6 months.
- you want to live in the 2nd flat.

You have 2 weeks to register.
You must show the certificate
from your landlord or landlady.

- If you come from abroad

You live abroad?
You are not registered in Germany?

Then you must
after 3 months.
It doesn't matter where you come from.

If the tenant
is in a hospital.
Or in a nursing home.

Sometimes the tenant comes
- to the hospital
- to a nursing home
- or another home.

Then the person does not have to re-register.
As long as he or she is registered in the old home.

Maybe the person won't go back
back to the flat.
The flat is re-rented.
Or it is sold.

Then someone has to tell the office.
For example:
- the tenant
- or a carer, or the manager of the home.
- or the manager of the home.

You have 2 weeks to do this.
We will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions.

Click here with the mouse. The Citizens' Advice Bureau page will open.

I do not want my data
be passed on.
What can I do?

You can object to your data being passed on.
If you do not agree to this.
Then we will not pass on any of your data
to other agencies.

You have to fill out an application form.
The application is called: Application to block the transfer of data.
The application is free of charge.

You can fill out the application here.

Click here with the mouse. The Citizens' Advice Bureau page will then open.

We will pass on your data to certain offices.
You have to allow this beforehand.
For example:
You will only be in the telephone book
if you want it and allow it.
Otherwise we are not allowed to put you in the phone book.
This is called a transmission block.

Registration law

The registration law contains rules for:

- Registering a flat
- deregistering a flat
- Re-registering a flat

Every person must comply with the law:
If he or she rents a flat.
Or rents a flat.

- If you rent a flat:

You must get a certificate from the landlord
or the landlord .
The certificate is called: Apartment Lender's Confirmation.
The landlord or landlady
must give you the certificate.
You must give the landlord or landlady
all the information for the certificate.

Then you have to hand in the certificate
at the registration office.
You have 2 weeks to do this.

Important:
The tenancy agreement is not sufficient proof.
You must always hand in the certificate.

Tell the registration office:
If you do not receive the confirmation in time.
Or if the confirmation is wrong .
Then the landlord has to pay a fine .
The fine costs up to 1 thousand euros.

- If you rent out a flat:

This is what you have to do as a landlord:
You have to confirm that the tenant has moved in.
You have to fill out a certificate to do this.

The certificate is called:
Apartment-Giver-Confirmation.

You can download the confirmation here.

This is what you have to write in the confirmation:
- Name and address of the landlord
- The type of notification

For example: Moving in
When you move into the flat
- Date of moving in
- Address of the flat
- Names of all persons moving in
- Date and signature of landlord
- Name and address of the owner.
This is the person who owns the flat.

You must give the tenant the certificate.
You have 2 weeks to do this.
When you move into your own flat
you have to give a self-declaration.

This is what you as a landlord
as the landlord or landlady:

You are allowed to ask the office
whether the tenant has registered
has registered with the office.
Or deregistered.

The office is allowed to do that:
The office may ask the landlord
ask the landlord or landlady
who lives in the flat.
Or has lived there.

Attention:
You may not lie about moving in.
That is against the law.

For example,
you say that someone
is moving into the flat.
But no one moves into the flat.
Then you have to pay a fine.
The fine costs up to 50 thousand euros.

Where are the laws on registering?

The laws on registering can be found in the
in the Federal Registration Act.
The abbreviation for this is the: BMG.
The rules are in paragraph 17.
A paragraph is a part of a law.
The sign for paragraphs looks like this: §.

Contact

Click here with the mouse. The Citizens' Advice Bureau page will open.

Please make an appointment first.

Integration course

You can do a course:
If you are from abroad.
If you are new to Germany.
Then you might need help getting started in Germany. And to learn German.

That's what integration courses are for.
Here you can learn the German language.
And you will learn more about life in Germany.

Important:
To take part in the integration course, you need a permit from the authorities.
This is a paper that says:
You have the right to take a course.

What do I learn in the integration course?

An integration course has 2 parts:

1. a language course and
2. an orientation course.

In the languagecourse you learn German.
In the orientation course you learn
more about Germany.

For example:
- About the laws.
- About the way of life.
- About the history.

The aim of the integration course is:
They should learn German.
They should be able to cope in Germany on their own.
Without the help of other people.

That means, for example:
You will be able to go

- go shopping.
- Go to the doctor.
- Go to the office.
- And many other things.

Who MUST take a course?

Whether you are allowed or required to take a course
depends on several questions:

1. how well do you speak German?
2. where are you from?

If you come from Europe
you usually don't have the right to take a course.

But you can apply for one,
if you still want to do a course.
For example: Because you want to learn German.

When did you come to Germany?

If you came to Germany AFTER 1 January 2005,
you usually have the right to take a course.
This means: You MAY take a course.

Attention:
You may also be obliged to do so.
This means: you MUST take a course.

For example: If you do not understand German.
Or if you only know a little German.

Important:
Sometimes you MUST also take a course,
if you entered Germany BEFORE 1 January 2005.

Where can I take an integration course?

Here you will find a list of all institutions
that offer integration courses:

List of integration courses

More information can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

What if I do NOT go to the course?

It is against the law:
If you do not go to the course.
Or if you drop out of the course.
Even though you are obliged to do so.

Meaning:
It's against the law!

You then have to pay a fine .
You have to pay up to 1,000 euros.
Or your social benefits will be reduced.
If you get money from the authorities.

That means:
You will then get less money from the Amt.
For example: Less social assistance.

And your residence permit
may not be extended.

That means:
When your residence permit expires,
you may have to leave Germany.
And go back to your home country.
Or to another country.

When SHOULD I take a course?

An integration course is good:
If you want to stay in Germany.
If you want to live and work here.

For example:
If you want a settlement permit.
This is a permit that
to live in Germany.

You only get the settlement permit:

- If you speak enough German.
- And know something about Germany.

For example:
- If you know something about society .
- And about the rules and laws in Germany.

If you apply for a settlement permit,
an integration course is sufficient proof.

With it you can show the office:
I have taken an integration course.
I can speak enough German.
I know something about Germany:
About the rules and the rights.
And about German society.

This means that an integration course is
important for a settlement permit.

There are even more advantages:
You may be naturalised more quickly.
If you have taken an integration course.

Naturalised means:
You become a German citizen. Or German citizen.
You get a German passport.
And you are allowed to live in Germany.

How do I get a participation permit?

You can get your entitlement to participate at the Integration Office.

Attention:
If you entered Germany AFTER 1 January 2005,
you usually have a right to a course.

This means that you will receive a Participation Permit.
This entitles you to take a course.

Important:
Sometimes you also get a participation entitlement,
if you entered the country BEFORE 1 January 2005.

Please go to the office in person.

We will then check:
Whether you are entitled to attend an integration course.

Do I have to go to the office in person?

Yes.
You have to come to us in person:
If you want to take an integration course.
And you need a participation permit.

We will be happy to advise you.
We will check whether you are entitled to participate.

How much does it cost?
You don't have to pay anything.
The counselling and examination are free of charge.

Where can I get a participation permit?

Click here with the mouse.
The Citizens' Advice Bureau page will open.

Integration course

In-te-gra-tion means:
People from abroad learn
the German language and culture.
So that they can live well in Germany.
So that they can participate everywhere.

The VHS Bocholt offers various courses:

- Integration courses for adults
- Youth integration courses
These are courses for young people only.
- Integration courses with alpha-beti-sation
In these courses you learn to read and write.

Click here with the mouse. Then the page to the VHS Bocholt opens.

The integration course consists of 2 parts:

1. language course:
The course lasts 600 to 900 hours.
The aim of the language course is the test.
It is called: German Test for Immigrants.

You will then receive a certificate:
For the language level A2 to B1.

2. orientation course:
Orientation means finding your way around.
The course lasts 100 hours.

This is what you learn in the orientation course:

- The German state
- Rights and laws
- History of Germany
- Culture in Germany
For example: Art and music.
Culture is everything that is made by people.
And what was invented by people.
And how people live together.
For example: celebration days.
Or clothes and food.

If you are new in Germany,
you have to take an integration course.
You are supposed to learn more about Germany there.

If you have been living in Germany for a long time,
you can take an integration course.
If you want to.
For example:
- You fled your home country.
Now you want to stay in Germany.
You want to learn the German language.
- Or you come from Europe.
You want to learn German better.

You have to submit an application for this.
At the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

The dates for integration courses
with literacy are not listed here.
You have to ask us.

Literacy means:
Learning to read and write.
That's how it's pronounced: Al-fa-be-ti-sier-ung.

Counselling and registration

All courses require counselling.
This means that you first have to come for an interview.
Then you can register for the course.

Click here with the mouse. Then the page to the VHS Bocholt opens.

Residence permit

People from abroad
need a residence permit
if they want to stay in Germany.

This is a piece of paper that says:
You are allowed to stay in Germany
For a short time or forever.

Which permit you need
depends on the reason for your stay:

Some people want to work in Germany,
Some people want to study here.
Some people want to live in Germany forever.

There are different ways
to get a residence permit.
Sometimes the permit is temporary.
This means that it is only valid for a certain period of time.
Sometimes the permit is permanent.
This means that the permit is valid forever.
On this page you will find more information about:

1. temporary residence permit
2. unlimited residence permit
3. visa

Temporary residence permit

There is a temporary residence permit.
This means:
You are only allowed to stay in Germany for a certain
in Germany for a certain period of time.
The permit is not valid forever.

You get a temporary residence permit:

- If you work in Germany.
- Or if you study here.
- Or if you work as an au pair.

The word au pair comes from the French language.
Au pair is spoken like this: Oh Päär.
Au pair means: you live with a family.
You look after the children and the house.

Here you can read more about the
residence permit for work.

Here you can read more about
Residence permit for studying.

Here you can read more about
Residence Permit for Au Pairs.

1. Settlement permit or:
   unlimited residence permit
   
   There is an unlimited residence permit.
   Unlimited means:
   The permit is not limited in time.
   The permit is valid forever.
   
   With an unlimited residence permit you are
   you are allowed to settle in Germany.
   This means:
   You may live in Germany forever.
   That is why this residence permit is also called a
   Settlement Permit.
   
   Here you can read more about the
   permit here.
   
   
   
2. Visa
   A visa is also a residence permit.
   It allows you to enter Germany.
   And you are allowed to stay for a certain period of time.
   
   When you enter Germany,
   you need a visa with the appropriate purpose.
   That is:
   You have to prove
   why you are entering Germany
   and what the purpose of your entry is.
   
   The purpose must be written on the visa.
   For example:
   - To work in Germany
   you need a business visa.
   - If you want to visit your family ,
   you need a visit visa.
   
   

Get help and advice here.
Click here with the mouse. The Citizens' Bureau page will open.

Passport and ID

You must have a
have a valid identity card:

- If you are a German citizen.
This means:
You were born in Germany.
Or you have immigrated here.

- If you have a registration obligation.
That means:
If you have lived in Bocholt for longer than 6 months. Then you have to register your flat with the authorities.

Important:
Do you have a valid passport?
Then you do not need an identity card.

Important:
It is against the law
if you do not have a valid identity card.
Without a valid identity card
you will have to pay a fine.

Therefore, always check,
until when your identity card is valid.
This is written on your identity card.

Which document do I need abroad?

Every country has different rules regarding the obligation to carry identification:

- Travelling in the European Union

You can use your identity card to
to countries in Europe.
The countries must be members
of the European Union.

Important:
You must have a definitive identity card.
So that you can travel abroad.
Definitive means: your identity card is valid for 10 years.

There is also a temporary identity card.
This is only valid for 3 months.
With the temporary identity card
you are not allowed to travel abroad.
You can only travel abroad
until the final identity card is ready.

- Travelling to all other countries

The countries outside the European Union
have different rules for travel:

1. you can travel to some countries with the
with your definitive identity card.
2. you can only travel to other countries with a passport.

You can find more information about the countries
on the website of the German Foreign Office.

Click here with the mouse. The page of the Foreign Office will open.

You can also go to a travel agency.
There you will also find information about the countries.
Or go to the embassy of the destination country.
Embassy means:
A representation of one country
has a house in another country.
For example:
You want to travel to Japan.
Then you can go to the Japanese embassy
in Germany.
You can get information there about travelling to Japan.

Which paper does my child need?

Children under 12 years
must have a child travel passport.
Children over 12 must
have an electronic passport.
Or an identity card.

Important:
The identity card is only valid in the European Union.
If you are travelling to another country,
your child needs a passport.

Attention:
There is a new rule in the European Union:
When you travel abroad
your child must have its own travel document.
Travel document means:
Travel Passport or Child Travel Passport.
Sometimes your child is
in your passport.
We call this: Child entry
This entry is now invalid.

But your passport remains valid.
You may travel abroad with your passport.
But you must take travel documents for your child with you.

Where can I get an identity card?

Click here with the mouse. Then the page with information on the passport will open.

Travel passport for children

If you want to travel abroad
you need a passport for your child.
With us you can apply for a
apply for a children 's travel passport.

The children's travel passport is
for children under the age of 12.

What do I need for it?

We need these papers from you:

- The old children's travel passport

If you get the new Child Travel Passport,
we'll keep the old passport.

Or we will make the old passport invalid.
And then we will return the old passport to you.

- the birth certificate of the child

When you apply for the new passport
please bring a birth certificate.
Or a copy from the birth register.
Or a copy from the family register.

Documents from abroad
must be translated into German.
For example:
Your certificate from Turkey is in Turkish.
For the office in Germany
the document must be translated into German.
This must be done by a translator.
Or an interpreter.
In other words, an expert with training.
You are not allowed to translate the documents yourself.
Even if you know the language well.
Only translations by experts are allowed.
The state determines who is an expert.
It examines the translators and interpreters.
Then it gives you a work permit.

The heavy word for this is:
Publicly appointed or sworn.
This means that the state has examined them.
They are allowed to work as translators or interpreters.

You can find translators and interpreters here

You must hand in the original translation.
You cannot hand in a copy translation.

- Identity card or passport
of parents or legal guardians.

If both parents come to us
both parents must show us their identity cards .
If only 1 parent comes to us,
the parent must show us their ID .
And a power of attorney from the other parent.
And a copy of the other parent's ID.
If another parent or guardian is coming,
that person must show their ID or passport.

Legal guard ian means:
A court has declared
which person is allowed to take care of a child.
This person can be the father or the mother.
But also another person.
For example: grandma or grandpa.
If both parents are dead.

- Power of attorney from the 2nd parent

If only 1 parent applies for the passport,
the parent must show a power of attorney from the 2nd parent.

A power of attorney is a piece of paper that says:
That you authorise someone to do something.
The power of attorney must contain the following information
1. name of the child,
2. name of the person giving the power of attorney,
3. name of the person receiving the power of attorney.

You can simply write the information on a piece of paper.
The paper must be signed by the parent
who stays at home and doesn't come to us.
They must show us the power of attorney,
when you apply for a new child travel passport.

- Proof of custody
or right of residence

Right of care means:
A person is allowed to take care of a child.
The person is responsible for the child.
The heavy word for this is: entitled to bring up the child.

If there is only one person who has parental rights..,
then you have to show us

- You have to show us proof of custody.
- Or the proof of the
right of residence.

Right of residence means:
The person may determine
Where the child is to live.
Where the child is allowed to stay.

If you apply for a passport for your child,
then you must show us proof of this.

- Passport photo

If you are applying for a child travel passport,
you must give us a passport photo of your child.
It doesn't matter how old your child is.
Even if he or she has just been born.
Even then, we need a photo of your child.

The photo must be up-to-date .
This means that the photo should not be older than 3 months .
You cannot send the photo as an e-mail.
Photos on the computer are not allowed.
The heavy word for this is: digital photos.
Digital photos are not allowed.
The photo must be bio-metrie-suitable.
Bio-metric-ready means:
The face is clearly visible.
The head is straight.
The eyes are open.
The mouth is closed.
The background is one colour.
The person is clearly visible.

Please follow the rules for passport photos.
The rules are in the photo sample board.
There are also examples in the photo sample board,
of how the photo should be for babies or small children.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the photo sample board for passport photos.

- Loss notification

If you have lost your old passport
you must submit a loss notification to us.
This is a paper that says:
Your name and what you have lost.
When you apply for your new passport
please show us the loss report.

- Certificate from the police

If the old passport was stolen
then you must go to the police .
You have to say that the passport was stolen.
Then you will get a certificate from the police.
When you apply for the new passport,
you have to show us the certificate.

How can I apply for the children's travel passport?

If you want to apply for a children's travel passport,
come to our office with your child.
You can make an appointment with us beforehand.
There are 2 ways to do this:

1. you can make an appointment on the Internet.
2. or you can call us.
Telephone: 02871 / 953 400

Important:
Your child must come to the office with you
- if you apply for a new child travel passport.
- if you change a child travel passport.
- if you change the passport photos.

How long is the child travel pass valid?

The child travel pass is valid for 6 years.
The Child Travel Pass is valid
only for children up to the age of 12.

Children over the age of 12
a normal travel passport.
Or a normal identity card.
Just like the adults.

You can have the passport extended
for children up to the age of 12.
You can also have the passport changed .
For example:
- Have a new photo put on the passport.
- Or have the place of residence changed in the pass port.

When will I get my new passport?

If you bring all the necessary papers with you,
you will get the children's travel passport immediately.

How much does a children's travel passport cost?

A new children's travel passport costs 13 euros.
Changes cost 6 euros.

What else do I need to know when travelling?

The Kinder-Reise-Pass is not valid in some countries.

Find out before you travel
which papers you need.

For example, when travelling to the USA:
Sometimes you need an entry permit
for a trip to the USA.
T he entry permit is called a visa.

If your child's travel passport is valid during your trip,
then you can travel to the USA without a visa.

If your child only has a temporary passport,
then you need a visa to travel to the USA.

You can apply for the visa at the American embassy.
Or at the American consulate.

Important:
You need to know before you travel
whether your passport is valid in the country.
Read the information from the German Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office has an internet site
with information on travelling.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information from the Foreign Office.

Where can I get help and advice?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Travel passport

For travel in Europe , it is usually sufficient to have
an identity card.
For travel outside Europe
you need a passport.
You must apply for a passport at the office. The passport is for people aged 12 and over.

Children under the age of 12
get a children's travel passport.

Attention:
Sometimes you also need a visa.
For example: for travelling to America.
A visa is a permit to travel.
It allows you to travel to a country.

You can find out what you need for your trip
you can find out from the Foreign Office.
The Foreign Office will tell you:

- Whether you need a passport for your trip.
- Or whether you need a visa .
- Or whether an identity card is sufficient.

Do I have to go to the office in person?

Yes.
You have to come to the office in person
if you are applying for a passport.
If you are applying for a passport for your child,
then your child must also come to us.

You do not have to come in person to collect the passport.
Another person can also come to collect the passport
with a power of attorney.

A power of attorney is a piece of paper that says:
That you authorise someone to do something.

The power of attorney must contain the following information:
The name of the person giving the power of attorney.
And the name of the person who receives the power of attorney.

You can write the power of attorney on a piece of paper.
They have to sign the paper.
When collecting the power of attorney, the person has to show us the power of attorney.
And the person has to show us their passport .
And the person must also hand in the old passport.

What can the new passport do?

You can use it to identify yourself.
The passport has a chip.
Your data is stored on the chip.
Data are for example:
- Day of birth
- Your address
- Sex: i.e. man or woman.
- Photo
- Fingerprints

Exception for children:
For children under 6 years of age
we do not store fingerprints.

I got my passport before 2017.
What do I have to do?
You don't have to do anything.
Your old passport is valid until the expiry date.
The expiry date is written in the passport.
After that date, the passport is invalid.
You must then apply for a new passport.

When will I get the passport?

When you apply for the new passport
you have to wait about 3 to 4 weeks.
Then you can collect the passport.

Exception:
There is an express passport.
The express passport does not take so long.
You can pick it up after 3 days.
But the express passport costs more.

In an emergency, you can also apply for a
temporary passport in an emergency.
If you can't wait that long.
For example:
If you realise shortly before your trip,
that you need a new passport.
Then we will give you the temporary passport.
You will get the temporary passport immediately,
if you show us all the necessary papers.

When you collect your new passport,
- we will keep your old passport
or children's passport.
- Or we will invalidate the old passport.
And give you back your old passport.

How long is the passport valid?

The passport is valid for 10 years.
However, there are exceptions:
The passport for people under 24 is only valid for 6 years.

A temporary pass port is only valid for 1 year.

Important:
Your old passport cannot be renewed.
If your old passport is no longer valid for long,
then you must apply for a new passport.

What if I travel a lot?

The normal passport has 27 pages.
There is also a passport with 48 pages.
This passport is for people who travel a lot.
This passport costs an additional 22 euros.

What papers do I need for it?

You have to show us these papers at the office:

- Old passport

When you get the new passport
we keep the old passport.
Or we will invalidate the old passport.
And then give you back the old passport.

- Old children's travel passport

If you only have a children's travel passport
and are now getting a new passport,
we'll keep the child's passport.
Or we will invalidate the children's travel passport.
And then return the children's travel passport to you.

- Identity card

You must show us your identity card
if you did not have a passport.
Or if you have lost your passport.

- Birth certificate

When you apply for your new passport
- please bring your birth certificate with you.
- Or a copy from the birth register.
- Or a copy from the family register.

- Marriage certificate

If you have married
and your name has changed.
Then we also need

- Your marriage certificate
- or a copy from the marriage register
- or a life partnership certificate.

We also need these documents
if you are divorced or widowed.
Widowed means:
If your husband or wife is dead.

Important:
Documents from abroad must be
translated into German.
For example:
Your deed from Turkey is in Turkish.
Then the document must be translated into German.
This must be done by a translator.
Or an interpreter.
In other words, an expert with training.
You are not allowed to translate the documents yourself.
Even if you know the language well.
Only translations by experts are allowed.
The state decides who is an expert.
It examines the translators and interpreters.
Then it gives them a work permit.
This is what we call: publicly appointed or sworn.

This means that the state has examined them.
You are allowed to work as a translator or interpreter.

You can find translators and interpreters here.

- Passport photo

You have to give us 1 passport photo.
The photo should not be older than 3 months.
You cannot send the photo as an e-mail.
The photo must be bio-metric.
This means:
The face is clearly visible.
The head is straight.
The eyes are open.
The mouth is closed.
The background is one colour.
The person is clearly visible.

Please follow the rules for passport photos.
Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the photo sample board for passport photos.

How much does the passport cost?

For persons under 24 years of age
the passport costs 37.50 euros.
For persons over 24 years of age
the passport costs 60 euros.

The temporary passport costs 26 euros.
The express passport costs an additional 32 euros.
The passport with 48 pages
costs an additional 22 euros.

Important:
You have to pay
when you apply for the passport.
You cannot pay when you collect the passport,
when you collect the passport.
You can pay with cash money.
That means with banknotes and coins.
Or you can pay with your EC card.
An EC card is a plastic card.
You got the card from your bank.
You can use it to pay without cash.

Where can I get help and advice?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the Citizens' Advice Bureau page.

More information
Identity card

Temporary passport

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

You can only travel to some countries
if you have a valid passport.

You have to apply for a passport at the office.
This takes 3 to 4 weeks.
There is also an express passport.
This only takes 3 to 4 days.

If you need the passport immediately ,
you can get a temporary passport.
You can get the temporary travel passport immediately.

For example:
If you can't wait any longer
for us to make you a definitive passport.
Or until we make you an Express Passport.
Because you are travelling abroad in the next few days.
Then you can apply for a temporary travel passport.
On this page we explain how to do that.

How do I get a temporary passport?

You have to come to our office.
You have to show us various papers.
You have to prove that it is an emergency .
You can show your flight ticket as proof .
Or any other confirmation for a trip.
For example: Your booking confirmation.

Important:
If you need a temporary passport
for your child,
at least 1 parent part
must come to us with the child.
Parent part means: the mother or the father.

The parent part that comes with the child to us,
must show us his or her identity card .
From the other parent you must
show a copy of the identity card.
And a power of attorney from the other parent.
A power of attorney is a piece of paper that says:
You allow a person to do something for you.

You have to sign the permission.

What do I need for this?

If you are applying for a temporary passport,
then you need to show us these papers:

- Your old passport

If you get the temporary passport,
then we keep the old passport.

Or we will invalidate the old passport.
And then we will give you back your old passport.

- Your old children's travel passport

If you have only had a children's travel passport up to now
and now you get a temporary passport,
we will keep the children's passport.
Or we will invalidate the children's travel passport
And then give you back the children's travel passport.

- Your identity card

You will need to show us your identity card
if you have lost your old passport.
Or if you did not have a passport before.

- Your birth certificate

If you are single and applying for a new passport
- please bring your birth certificate with you.
- Or a copy from the birth register.
- Or a copy from your family register.

Single means: you are not married.
And you have never been married.

- Your marriage certificate
- If you are married or partnered ,
then we need from you
- a marriage certificate,
- or a copy from the marriage register.

We also need this document
if you are divorced or widowed.

Important:
Documents from abroad
must be translated into German.
For example:
Your certificate from Turkey is in Turkish.
For the office in Germany, the document must be
translated into German.
This must be done by a translator or interpreter.
In other words, an expert with training.
You cannot translate the documents yourself.
Even if you know the language well.

Only translations by experts are allowed.
You can find a list of experts here.

You have to hand in the original translations.
You cannot hand in copies of translations.

- Passport photo of you

When you apply for a temporary pass port,
you must give us 1 pass port photo.
We need 2 passport photos of you.
If you are applying for a
apply for a definitive passport.

Important:
The photo should not be older than 3 months.
You cannot send the photo as an e-mail .
Photos on the computer are not allowed.

The photo must be bio-metric suitable.
Bio-metric suitable means:
The person is easily recognisable.
The face is clearly visible.
The head is straight.
The eyes are open.
The mouth is closed.
The background is one colour.

The rules are in the photo sample board.
Please follow the rules for passport photos.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the photo sample board for passport photos.

- Proof for your journey

You can only apply for a
Apply for a temporary travel passport.

For example:
If you are travelling abroad in the next few days.
If you cannot wait for your normal
travel passport.

Or if you cannot wait 3 days
for an express pass port.
Only then can you get a
temporary passport.

You have to prove that it is an emergency.
You can show your flight ticket as proof .
Or another confirmation for a trip.
For example, your booking confirmation.

- Notification of loss

If you have lost your passport,
you will need to show us a Loss Advice.
This is a piece of paper that says:
Your name and what you have lost.
You can get the loss notification at the office.
If you are applying for a temporary passport,
then please show us the loss report.

- Certificate from the police

If your passport has been stolen
then you must go to the police
And say that your passport has been stolen.
Then you will get a certificate from the police.

You have to show the certificate from the police.
When you apply for the new passport.

How long is the temporary passportvalid?

A temporary passport is valid for 1 year.

You cannot have a temporary passport
a temporary passport.

When will I get the temporary passport?

If you show us all the necessary papers,
you will receive the temporary passport immediately.

What else do I need to know when travelling?

For travel in Europe , an identity card is usually sufficient.
an identity card is usually sufficient.

For travel outside Europe
you need a passport.

Sometimes you also need a visa for your trip.
For example, for travel to America.
You can find out which passport you need for your trip
you can find out at the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office will tell you:
- Whether you need a passport for your trip,
- or whether you need a visa ,
- or whether an identity card is sufficient.

Information on travelling from the Federal Foreign Office.

How much does a temporary passport cost?

A temporary passport costs 26 euros.
Attention:
A notification of loss costs an additional 1.50 euros.
This means:
You have to pay 27.50 euros in total.

Where can I get help and advice?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the Citizens' Advice Bureau page.

Temporary identity card

Information in plain language

Read this page in everyday language.

When you turn 16
you must have an identity card.
The heavy word for this is: Personal-Ausweis-Pflicht.

If you do not have a valid identity card,
you have to apply for an identity card.
You have to wait 3 to 4 weeks.
Until you get the new identity card.

If you cannot wait that long
you can get a temporary identity card.
For example:
If you are travelling abroad soon.

How do I get a temporary identity card?

To apply for a temporary identity card,
you have to come to our office in person.

Important:
Young people aged 16 and over
can apply for a temporary identity card on their own .
To do so, you must show us another identity document with a photo.
For example:
- Your children's travel passport
- your children's identity card
- or your passport.

If you cannot show us these documents,
a parent or guardian must come with you.
This is someone who is responsible for you.
This is usually your mother or father.
The person must show us their identity card
or their passport.

Young people under 16 years of age
can also get a temporary identity card.
If you want to apply for a temporary identity card
for your child,
at least one parent must
must come to us with the child.
Parent means: the mother or father.
The parent who comes to us with the child,
must show us his or her identity card .

You must show us a copy of the
show us a copy of the identity card.
And you have to show us a power of attorney
from the other parent.

This is a paper that says:
You allow a person to do something for you.
You have to sign the permission.

- You have German citizenship.

Staats Angehörigkeit means:
That someone belongs to a certain country.
For example: Because he was born there.
Or because he immigrated to that country.

What do I need for this?

If you need a temporary identity card,
then you have to show us these papers:

- Your old identity card

If you get the temporary identity card,
we will keep your old identity card.
Or we will make the old identity card invalid.
And then we will return your old identity card to you.

- Your old children's passport

- Your travel passport

You have to show us your passport
if you have lost your old identity card.
Or if you did not have an identity card before.

- 2 passport photos

If you need a temporary identity card,
you must give us 2 passport photos of you.
We need the 1st photo for the temporary identity card.
We need the 2nd photo for the final identity card.
The photos must be up-to-date .
This means that the photo should not be older than 3 months .
The photo must be bio-metric suitable.
Bio-metric suitable means:
The person is easily recognisable.
The face is clearly visible.
The head is straight.
The eyes are open.
The mouth is closed.
The background is a single colour.

Please follow the rules for passport photos.
The rules are in the photo sample board.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the photo sample board for passport photos.

- Birth certificate

If you are single ,
please bring your birth certificate with you.
Or an extract from the birth register.
Or an extract from the family register.
Single means: that you are not married.
Or that you have never been married.

- Marriage certificate

If you are married or partnered ,
then we need from you
- a marriage certificate,
- an extract from the marriage register
- or a life partnership certificate.
We also need this document
if you are divorced or widowed.

Important:
Documents from abroad
must be translated into German.
For example:
Your certificate from Turkey is in Turkish.
For the office in Germany, the document must be
translated into German.
This must be done by a translator.
Or an interpreter.
In other words, an expert with training.
You are not allowed to translate the documents yourself.
Even if you know the language well.

Only translations by experts are allowed.
You can find translators and interpreters here.

You must hand in the original translations.
You cannot hand in copies of translations.

- Notification of loss

If you have lost your old identity card,
then you must show us a loss notification.
This is a paper that says:
Your name and what you have lost.

- Certificate from the police

If your identity card has been stolen ,
then you must go to the police
And say that your identity card has been stolen.
Then you will get a certificate from the police.
You have to show us the certificate from the police.
When you apply for the temporary identity card.

When do I get the temporary identity card?

When you show us all the necessary papers,
you will get the temporary identity card immediately.

Important:
We will then also apply for
a definitive identity card for you.
You have to wait 3 to 4 weeks.
until you can collect your identity card.

Where is the temporary ID card valid?

The temporary identity card is valid throughout Germany.
But the temporary identity card
is sometimes not valid abroad.

This means:
With a temporary identity card
you cannot travel to every country.

Please find out before you travel
whether the temporary identity card is valid in the country.

Information on travelling from the Federal Foreign Office.

How much does a temporary identity card cost?

A temporary identity card costs 10 euros.
If you get a temporary identity card,
we will also order a definitive identity card for you.

A definitive identity card costs extra:

- 22.80 euros for persons under 24 years of age.
- 28.80euros for persons over 24 years of age.

For a notification of loss you have to pay
pay an additional 1.50 euros.

You can pay with cash.
That means with banknotes and coins.
Or you can pay with your EC card.
An EC card is a plastic card.
You got the card at the bank for your account.
You can pay with it without cash.

Where are the laws on this?

The laws on the temporary identity card
can be found in the Personal-Ausweis-Gesetz.

Where can I get help and advice?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the Citizens' Advice Bureau page.

Lost your identity papers?

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

Have you lost your identity papers?
For example:
- Your residence permit
- or your passport.

Maybe someone has found your papers.
And handed them in to our lost property office.
Then you can pick up your papers from us.

Important:
Items are usually returned to us
after they are lost.
Please be patient.
If the things are not immediately in the lost property office.

Attention:
If your papers are handed in to us
and your address is on your papers,
you will receive a message from the lost property office.
This means:
We will send you a message to your address.
The message will say:
That your papers have been found.
Where you can pick up your papers.

If you do not receive a message from us,
you can also look for your papers
for your papers yourself.

Important:
If you are not German,
you can also ask at the Integration Office
whether your papers have been handed in.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Integration Office.

On this page we explain how to do this.

How do I find out if my papers are at the office?

1. you ask by telephone:
Telephone number 0 28 71 - 953 400

When you call us
you have to tell us your personal details.

For example:
- Your name
- your address
- Your day of birth

2. you come in person:

You can ask in person at the lost and found office,
whether your papers have been handed in to us.

Important:
If you are not German,
you can also ask at the Integration Office
whether your papers have been handed in.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page to the Integration Office.

Attention:
If you go to the Fund office in person ,
you must show proof of identity.

For example:
You can identify yourself with your driver's licence,
if you have lost your identity card or passport.

Important:
There must be a photo of you on the proof.

3. you search on the internet

The Lost and Found Office has an Internet site.
On the website you can read
which things are in the lost property office.

And whether someone has handed in
what you have lost.
We write a lot of things down there,
that people leave with us.

Important:
We can't put all the things on the internet.
On the website you will only find a selection
of the found objects that are with us.

Click here with the mouse. The lost property page will then open.

Please write us an e-mail
if you have found your lost property in our list.
If something from the lost property list belongs to you.

Describe your lost item there.
We will then get in touch with you.
If your description fits.
If the lost property might belong to you.

What happens to the lost property?

If your papers are with us,
we'll give you a rubbing within a week.
Or we forward your papers
to the appropriate authorities.
Then you will receive a letter
from the relevant office.

For example:
If your driver' s licence has been found.
Then we will forward it to the driver's licence office.

If your vehicle registration certificate has been found,
we will forward it to the registration office.

If your bank card has been found,
we forward it to the bank or savings bank.

If you find papers belonging to people from another town or city
then we forward them to the lost and found office in that city.

For example:
If someone loses their papers in Bocholt,
but doesn 't live in Bocholt.
Then we send the papers
to the lost property office in their place of residence.
Then the person can pick up their papers there.

The papers of people from abroad
who do not live in Germany,
we forward them to the responsible embassy .
Or to the responsible consulate.
In other words, to the foreign representation of the country.

When do I need to file a loss report?

You have to file a loss report immediately.
If you lose your identity card or passport
This is stated in the Identity Card Act.

This means:
You must go to the police immediately.
And tell them what you have lost.
You will then receive a confirmation.
The confirmation is called a loss report.

Where can I apply for new papers?

If your papers are not at the lost property office,
you can apply for new papers.
At the Integration Office you will get
a new residence permit.

Do I have to come to the Fund Office in person?

You have to go to the Fund Office in person ,
if you want to pick up your papers.

You can also instruct another person to
to collect your papers.

For this, the person needs a power of attorney from you.
A power of attorney is a permission to collect.

This means:
The person must bring a power of attorney .
And show us their own identity card.
And the identity card of the person
who wrote the power of attorney.

Important:
There must be a picture of the person on the ID.
For example:
You can bring the driver's licence from the person,
if you have lost an identity card or passport.

Certificate from the office

If your papers are not at the Integration Office,
we can give you a certificate .

The certificate states:
That your passport or residence permit
is not at the Integration Office.

You sometimes need the certificate
sometimes for the insurance.

Where are the laws on this?

The relevant laws are in the Residence Act.

Where can I pick up my papers?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Integration Office.

Where can I get help and advice?

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page for the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Registering a car

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

You have to register some vehicles
before you can drive them on the road.

This is called: Registration.

That means:
You register the vehicle at the registration office.
For example:
A car or motorbike.

The registration office then allows you
you to drive the vehicle.

They give your vehicle a registration number.
This is a plate with numbers and letters.

You can also request letters
and numbers.
We call this: Desired number plate.

What else does the registration office do?

You can re-register the vehicle with us.
When the vehicle has a new owner.
Or a new owner.

For example:
- Because you are selling the vehicle.
- Or because you are giving the vehicle away.

You can deregister the vehicle with us.
For example:
When you scrap the vehicle.

Where do I have to register my vehicle?

Borken district branch office in Bocholt

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 52 - 58
46395 Bocholt
(Gigaset building)

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page for the registration office.

Reserve a place in the children's garden

Do you want to have your child looked after?

For example:
In a children's garden?
Or in a day care centre?

You can reserve a place for your child.
For example:
If you want a specific children's garden.
Or if you want a particular day care centre for your child.
Then you have to book a place early.

When can I reserve a place for my child?

As soon as your child is born , you can
reserve a place in the Kindergarten or Kita.

There is only one place available in a municipal day care facility

- for children aged 1 to 6 years.
- for children who are registered in Bocholt.

Registered in Bocholt means:
You have said at the office in Bocholt,
that you live with your child in Bocholt.

Bocholt must be your first place of residence.

First residence means:
You live in Bocholt most of the time.
You may have a second flat
in another town.
But most of the time you live
with your child in Bocholt.
Bocholt is then your primary residence.

Only if Bocholt is your first place of residence,
you will get a place for your child here.
If you do not yet live in Bocholt,
you can already register your child.

But you will only get a place
if you are registered in Bocholt.

How can I reserve a place for my child?

You need the form
Pre-registration of a Kindergarten place.
You can get this form
in day-care facilities for children.

For example:
In all municipal kindergartens.
Or in all municipal day-care centres.

You have to fill in the form.
Please write down here,
which kindergarten your child should go to.
You must then hand in the form to us.

When we have processed your form,
you will receive a confirmation from us.
You will receive the confirmation by post.

You can also fill out the form on the internet.
Then you do not have to come to our office.
When we have received your message,
you will receive a confirmation from us.
You will then receive the confirmation by e-mail.

What happens if there is no place available?

If there is no place available in the day care centre,
we will look for another free place.
Or a place in the children's day care.

Day care means:
Another person looks after your child.
For example:
If you work during the day.
And you do not look after your child during the day.
And your child does not go to the nursery.
Or your child does not go to a day care centre.
Then your child can be looked after
by someone else during the day.
The heavy word for this is: child day care.

Important:
All children from the age of 1 have a
right to a place in day care.

This means:
Every child must get a place in a day-care centre.
Or a place in a kindergarten.
Or in a day care centre.
That's what the law says.

The Office for Youth, Family, School and Sport
distributes the municipal childcare places.
If you have any questions, please call us.
Telephone:

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page
with information about the kindergarten and childcare.

Do I have to come to the office in person?

No.
You do not have to come in person.
You can also register online.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page
to the Kitaportal.

How much does it cost to register?

Pre-registration is free of charge.
You do not have to pay anything.
But you do have to pay parental contributions
for the day care centre.
For example:
Money for the children's garden.

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page
with the kindergarten and childcare services.

Day care for your child

Many parents have their children looked after during the day. For example: When they have to work.
Or when they need time for other things.

One possibility is day care for children. Child day care means:
A person looks after other children.
The person is called a day mother or day father. Or also: day-care person.

The person looks after the children for a certain period of time.
The person receives money for looking after the children. Sometimes the authorities pay for the care. Sometimes the parents have to pay part of it.
The heavy word for this is: parental contribution.
You can find more information about day care on this page.
We are happy to help you.
If you have any questions.
Or need help.

How can I register my child?

You can register your child for day care here.
And get more information about day care.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about day care for children.

Who looks after my child?

Day carers look after your child.

They have undergone training for this.

The day-care workers have a licence to work with children.
And they are regularly checked.
This means that they are experts in working with children.

Where will my child be looked after?

There are different possibilities:

Most of the time, your child will be cared for in the home
cared for by the day carer.
However, you can also arrange
that your child will be looked after in another place.
For example, at your home.
Or in another facility.

When can my child be looked after?

Talk to the day care person,
when you would like your child to be looked after.

Usually your child will be looked after from Monday to Friday.
Sometimes also at the end of the week.

How old must or may my child be?

Day care is for children of all ages.
Mostly for young children before the children's garden.

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about day care for children.

Day-care facilities for children

There are many day-care facilities for children in Bocholt.
The abbreviation for Kinder-Tages-Einrichtung is: KITA.

These are places where your child is looked after.
This means that there are educators.
They look after your child during the day.

Your child can play with other children there.
The children learn the way it is in a group.
That is good for the children.

And it is good for the parents.
They have more time for themselves.
Or more time for work.

The parents can decide for themselves:
- In which group your child will be looked after.
- How long your child will be looked after.

We will advise you on any questions you may have about the KITA.

You can find more information under the heading:
Where can I get help and advice?

What services are available?

There are 3 different offers.
We also call them group forms.

Group form 1
This is a mixed group
for younger and older children.

2. group form 2
This is a small group
for younger children.

3. group form 3
This is a large group
for older children.

You can read more about it here:

Group Form 1

How many children are in the group?
20 children

How old are the children in the group?
2 years to 6 years

Important:
In the group there should be
at least 4 children
in the age of 2 years.

But a maximum of 6 children
2 years old.
Most of the children should be older.

Group form 2

How many children are in the group?
A maximum of 10 children

How old are the children in the group?
1 to 3 years old

Group form 3

How many children are in the group?
Maximum 25 children

How old are the children in the group?
From 3 years old

Important:
You can decide for yourself
in which group your child should go.

How long will my child be looked after?

You can decide for yourself
when and for how long your child will be looked after.

The heavy word for this is: care time.

You can choose between:

- 25 hours a week.
- 35 hours a week
- or 45 hours a week.

When your child enters a KITA,
talk to the head of the day care centre:

- How your child will be cared for.
- How long your child should stay.

Where can I find the laws on this?

The rules for KITAs are in the
Child Education Act.

You can find more information
on the Internet pages
of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The Child Education Act

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about the day care centre.

Parents' contribution for the children's day-care facility

Many parents have their children looked after during the day. For example: When they have to work.
Or when they need time for other things.

One possibility is a day-care centre.
Day care centre means:
A place where your child is looked after during the day.
Where other people look after your child.
For example: In a children's garden.

The day care centre costs money.
Sometimes the authorities pay
for the day-care centre.
Most of the time, the parents also have to pay a part.
The heavy word for this is: parental contribution.

On this page you will find more information about the
Parents ' contribution for the day-care centre.

Please ask someone for help
if you don't understand something.
Or give us a call.
Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about the day care centre.

How much do I have to pay as a parent?

The parental contribution is not the same for everyone.
How much you have to pay
depends on

- How old your child is.
- How much money you earn.
- Where your child is looked after.
- How long your child will be looked after.

For example:
If you earn less than 12,271 euros a year,
then you do not have to pay a parental contribution.
No matter how old your child is.
No matter where your child is cared for.

If you earn more than 12,271 euros a year,
then you have to pay a parental contribution.

If you earn more,
then you have to pay more.

Some parents only have to pay 15 euros.
Some parents have to pay up to 650 euros.
The rest is paid by the authorities.

Important:
1 year before your child starts school,
childcare is free of charge for your child.

We also call it " contribution-free".
You do not have to pay a parental contribution.

If your child starts school later
for example:
Because of illness
or another important reason,
then your child is exempt from paying fees for 2 years.

This means:
The day-care centre for children
is then free of charge for 2 years.

This means that for 24 months
no parental contribution for 24 months.

Important:
The costs for food are not part
not part of the parental contribution.

You have to budget extra money for food .

You have to pay for the food directly
directly to the institution.
Each institution decides for itself
How much the lunch costs.

Attention:
You can get a subsidy
for the lunchtime meal.

This means:
If you don't have much money,
then you have to pay less
less for lunch.

You can also get other
help for your child.

You can find more information under the heading:
Other help for your child

Which papers do I need?

If your child is in a day-care facility,
please send us these papers:

1. a statement of your income:

You need to prove:
How much money you earn.
And how much money you receive from other
or institutions.
The heavy word for this is: income.

Income includes, for example:

- Maintenance for you and your children
- Parents' money
- Mother's money
- Sickness money
- pension
- and many other incomes.

You have to send us a declaration of your income.
The heavy word for this is: income declaration.
You can download the income declaration.
You can fill out the declaration on the internet.
Then you have to print out the declaration.
And you have to sign the declaration.

Then you send all the papers to us by post.
You can find the address and more info here.

You can also send the papers as an e-mail.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about the day care centre.

Let us help you,
if you don't understand something.

2. proof of income

Please send us all the necessary proof.
For example:
Your income tax statement.

Important:
When you have sent us all the proofs,
we will check your papers.

You will then receive a decision from us.

The decision will say:

- Whether you have to pay a parental contribution.
- How much you have to pay.
- How you can pay.

Do I have to go to the office in person?

No.
You do not have to come to the office.
You have several options:
You can send us a message on the internet.
The heavy word for this is: e-mail.

Click here with the mouse. Then the page with information about the day care centre will open.

Or you can send the papers by post.
To the address:
City of Bocholt
Youth, Family, School and Sports Department
Kaiser-Wilhelm-Strasse 77
46395 Bocholt

We will then check your papers.
And we will send you a decision.

The decision will state:

- Whether you have to pay a parental contribution.
- How much you have to pay.
- How you can pay.

If you have to pay parental contributions,
you can transfer the money from your account.
You do not have to pay in person.

You will find more information about this in the notice
you will receive from us.
Please ask someone for help,
if you don't understand something.
Or give us a call.
Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about the day care centre.

Where are the laws on parental contributions?

The laws on the parental contribution can be found
in the Child Education Act.

The abbreviation for this is: KiBiz.
You can read more here:
Child Education Act NRW

Further help for your child

The education package is a help
for parents with little money.

If you get money from the authorities like:

- Citizen's Income
- Social money
- or social assistance.

Then you can also get help for your child.

For example:
There is funding for:

- Class trips
- School trips
- School supplies such as exercise books or pencils
- Lunch
- extra tuition

Support means:
You get money from the government.
Or you have to pay less.
Or you get vouchers.

So that your child can participate everywhere.
So that your child has the same opportunities.
No matter how much money you earn.

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information about the day care centre.

Starting school for children

Information in easy language

In Germany there is compulsory schooling.
That means:
All children must go to school.

Compulsory schooling applies from the age of 6.

This means:
For the coming school year 2023 / 2024, all children
all children who were born between
1 October 2016 and 30 September
30 September 2017.

This means:
If your child was born during that time,
then you must register them for school.
The heavy word for this is: enrolment.

Enrolment means:
Your child is going to school for the 1st time.

You will get a parental notification beforehand.
This is a letter from the authorities.
The letter says:
You have to register your child at a primary school.

This is important:
You may choose the school yourself.

Look for a good school for your child.
For example:
A school nearby.
So that your child does not have to travel so far.

Attention:
You can also register your child,
if he or she was born after 30 September 2016.
This is called " optional children".
These are children under the age of 6.
They are not yet required to attend school.
That means they do not have to go to school yet.
But they can if they want to.

Important:
Your child must then take a test.
The test checks whether your child is ready for school.

And your child must be examined by the school doctor.
by the school doctor.

The school administration then decides:
Whether your child can go to school already.
Or whether it has to wait another year.

What papers do I need to bring with me?

You must bring these papers with you to the registration

1. your child's birth certificate.
Or your family register book.
2. your identity card
3. the parental notification from the office.
4. the completed registration form
You will receive the registration form in the schools.

Where can I get advice and help?

We are happy to help you.
If you have any questions.
Or need help.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page with information on school registration.

Housing Money

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

Wohn-Geld is help from the government.
The help is for people with little money.
You get money for your housing costs.
If you do not have enough money yourself.

For example:
- For your rented flat
- For your own flat
- or for your own house.

There are 2 types of housing money:

1. rent allowance:
When you rent a flat.
Or when you rent a room.

2. burden allowance:
If you have your own house.
Or your own flat.

If you want housing benefit,
you have to apply to the authorities.

What papers do I need?

You must send us these papers
or hand them in at the housing benefit office:

- Application for housing benefit

You can get the housing-money application form at the office.
Or on the internet:
- Application for rent subsidy
- Application for housing allowance

You must
1. fill it out
2. print it out
3. sign it.

- Proof of income

You can get proof of income at the office.
Or on the Internet:
Proof of income

You have to print out the certificate.
Your boss has to fill in the certificate.

- Certificate from your landlord or landlady

The certificate from your landlord or landlady
you can get at the office:

Your landlord or landlady
must fill in the certificate.
And sign the certificate.

- Proof of rent payment

For example:
- Your last rent statement.
- Or your bank statement.

Important:
The proof must state:
- When you last paid rent.
- How much rent you have paid.

Will I get housing benefit?

Whether you get housing benefit
depends, for example, on

- How many people live in your household.
- How much money you earn.
- How much rent you pay.

Your personal situation is also important.
We will check your personal situation.

Then you will get a message from us,
whether you can get housing benefit.

Important:
Please go to the Wohn-Geld office:

- If you want to know
if you can get housing benefit.
- If you need advice .
- If you want to hand in your application.

You can find more information under the heading:
How can I submit my application?

Housing Money Calculator

You want to check for yourself
whether you can get housing benefit?

There is a housing allowance calculator on the Internet.
It is provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs,
Municipal Affairs, Building and Equality.

Important:
You do not have to give your name.
Click here with the mouse. This will open the Housing Money Calculator page.

How can I apply?

There are several ways:
You can

1. hand them in personally at the Wohn-Geld office.
This is our address:
Department of Social Affairs
Housing Benefit Office Bocholt
Berliner Platz 2
46395 Bocholt

Important:
You can make an appointment for this.
Just give us a call.
You can find your contact person here: Wohn-Geld-Stelle Bocholt

2. send by post
Send your application with all the papers
to the address:
Department of Social Affairs
Housing Benefit Office Bocholt
Berliner Platz 2
46395 Bocholt

3. send it via the housing-money calculator on the internet.
You can submit the application via
the housing-money calculator.
You can then send it to us via the internet.
Click here with the mouse. The Housing Money Calculator page will then open.

Do I have to come to the office in person?

No.
You do not have to come in person.
You can also send your application by post .

But please make an appointment with us:
- If you are applying for housing benefit for the first time .
- Or if you have questions about the application.
A personal meeting can often help.

You can find more information under the heading:
How can I apply?

How long does it take to process the application?

We need about
about 6 to 8 weeks.
Then you will know
whether you will get housing benefit.

Where are the laws on housing benefit?

The rules on housing benefit
are in the Housing Money Act.

The abbreviation for this is: WoGG.

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Housing Money Act.

Standard benefit

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

You get money from the Job Centre every month. So that you have enough money to live on.
This is what we call: Standard benefit.

You have to use this money to pay for everything
everything you need to live.
To this we say:
Securing your livelihood.

For example:
- Food
- Drinking
- clothing
- Body care
- Electricity
- Telephone
- Internet access
- House advice
These are things you need in the household.
For example: dishes or lamps.

- Needs in everyday life
What you need in everyday life to live.
For example: money for the bus and the train.

Important:
The money is also for your free time.
For example:
When you meet up with friends.
And do something together.
You should participate in cultural life.
Participate means:
You should participate or be part of it.
For example:
- Going to the cinema.
- Going to the theatre.
- Be in a club.

You can spend your money on that too.
But the money must last until the end of the month.

Important:
You can read in the table
How much money you get from the Job Centre.

We will be happy to help you.
If you have questions.
If you need help.

These are the standard benefits:

- Single people
These are people over the age of 18
without a partner.

- Single parent
These are persons who are bringing up a child alone.

- Persons over 18 years of age
with a partner under 18
Someone over 18 years of age lives together
with a partner under 18 years of age.

= 416 euros.

Partner and female partner
if both are over 18 years old.

= 374 euros.

Persons between 18 and 24 years

- without own household
That means:
You do not have your own home.
You do not live with your partner.
partner.
- You have moved without permission from the Job Centre.
This means: You have moved
without permission from the Jobcentre.

= 332 Euro

Young people between 14 and 17 years of age.

= 316 euros

Children between 6 to 13 years.

= 296 Euro

Children between 0 to 5 years.

= 240 Euro

We will help you.
If you have questions .
Or need help .

Click here with the mouse. The Job Centre page will then open.

Rent and heating

Information in plain language

Read this page in everyday language.

The office pays for you
- the rent
- heating
- and hot water.

If you don 't have enough money.
If you cannot pay the costs yourself.
You must submit an application for this.

Attention:
The costs must be reasonable .
Reasonable means:
It must not be too expensive.

For example:
The flat may be for 1 person:
- 50 square metres in size.
- And cost 418.50 euros.
That is the rent without heating.
Then the rent is adequate.
We also call this the " appropriateness limit".
The office determines the appropriateness limit.

Important:
The rent can be higher
if more people live in the flat.

There are tables for this.
Talk to your case worker
or your case worker at the Job Centre.
Or go to the Social Welfare Office.

We will tell you:
- Whether the rent is reasonable.
- Or whether your flat is too expensive.

The flat is too expensive

Your flat is too expensive.
Then the government or the job centre will pay for the time being.
But the law says
You have to look for a cheaper flat.
You can rent out a room.

The office or job centre makes an appointment.
The rent must be cheaper by that date.
The rent must be reasonable .

If you can't do that,
we can postponethe appointment.
But you have to show us:
I have made an effort.

For example, you have to show us:
- I have looked for a new flat.
For example, on the internet or in the newspaper.
- I have applied for a flat.
- I have received a rejection
from the landlord or landlady.
- Or I am on the waiting list for the flat.

Important:
You must show us written evidence of this.

Important:
When you have found a flat,
please let us know immediately.
Ask if the rent is OK.
You need a permit
from the social welfare office or job centre.
Only then can you sign the tenancy agreement.

Subtenant

You can look for a sub-tenant.
Or a sub-tenant.
This makes the rent cheaper for you.

A sub-tenant is a person
who is allowed to live with you.
The person pays money for this.
The money makes your rent cheaper.
The job centre then only has to
only have to pay the rest.

Talk to your case worker
or your case worker:
- If you can 't find a subtenant
and no sub -tenant.
- If you cannot find a cheaper flat.

Moving with money from the Job Centre or Social Welfare Office

You must ask us first
if you want to move
and get money from the job centre.

If you do not ask us,
you will not get money for the new flat.

Important:
There must be a reason for the move.
You are not allowed to move without a reason.
Without a reason - no move!

A reason is, for example:
You are having a child.
You need a bigger flat for it.

If you have a good reason,
then you can move.

You can get help from the authorities.

We are happy to help you.
If you have any questions .
Or need help .

Click here with the mouse. The Job Centre page will open.

Senior Citizens Advice

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

Counselling for the elderly is
- for elderly people.
- for their friends
- and their family.

They get advice.
They get a lot of information.
For example, about help for old people.

We are happy to make an appointment.
We also come to you.
If you cannot come to us.

What we do
We advise you on all topics
that are important in old age.
For you and your families.

For example:

• Living will
  This is a permission for a person.
  The person is then allowed to make decisions for you.
  For example: at the doctor's or in hospital.
  
  
• Health care proxy
  This is a permission for one person.
  The person is then allowed to make decisions for you.
  If you can no longer make decisions on your own.
  
  
• Advance Care Directive
  This is a permission for a person.
  The person is then allowed to decide for you.
  If you need care.
  
  
• Living in old age
  You can live alone in old age.
  Or together with other people.
  There are different options.
  
  
• Care and nursing
  You can get care.
  At home or in a home.
  If you can no longer look after yourself.
  
  
• We arrange care services.
  They come to you.
  If you need help at home.
  
  
• We help you move
  to a home for the elderly or a nursing home.
  
  
• We help you in difficult times.
  When you have problems.
  When you can't manage on your own.

Do you need help and advice?

For example because of:

- Old age
- illness
- or disability

The senior citizens' advisory service will help you:

- If you have to go to the office.
- If you are ill.
- When you need care at home.

We advise you on all topics
that are important in old age.
For you and your families.

The counselling is secret.
We don't tell anyone about the counselling.

Counselling is for all people.
Your religion does not matter during counselling.

The counselling is free of charge.
You do not have to pay anything.

How can I get counselling?

You can come to us yourself.
For a personal conversation.

You can also call us.

The addresses and telephone numbers
can be found under the heading:
Where can I get counselling?

We also come to your home.

For example:
- If you are ill.
- If you cannot come yourself.

The heavy word for this is: home visit.

If you need counselling at home:
Please call us. Make an appointment with us.
Then we will come to you for the counselling.

Where can I get counselling?

The counselling for senior citizens is in the Social Welfare Department.
Please make an appointment beforehand.

Address:
City of Bocholt
Senior citizens' office
Berline Platz 2
46395 Bocholt

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Senior Citizens' Office.

Basic backup

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

Basic security means:
You get money from the office.
For example:
- If you have little money.
- If you are very old.
- If you are very ill.
- If you cannot find a job.

Then you get money from the authorities.
You can use it to buy things to live on.
For example: clothes and food.

When do I get basic income support?

You get Grund-Sicherung:

• If you are over 65 years old.
  And have too little money to live on.
  
  
• If you are fully incapacitated for work.
  That is:
  You can work less than 3 hours a day.
  For example:
  Because you are very ill for a long time.
  Or because you have a disability .
  
  Click here with the mouse. Then the page on the Social Welfare Department will open.
  
  
• If you do not have a job.
  Even though you are fit for work.
  Able to work means:
• You can work.
• You are under 65 years old.
• You do not have a disability.
  
  Then you and your family
  have a right to basic security.
  So that you have enough money to live on.
  
  The basic security for people without work
  is called: Citizen's Income.
  
  That means: you don 't have a job.
  You get money from the authorities.
  
  Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Social Welfare Department.

What do I get the basic income support for?

You get money for
- food
- clothing
- Body care
- Energy costs
For example: Electricity
- Electrical appliances
For example: Washing machine
- Furniture
- Laundry
For example: Hand towels and bed linen
- Household items
For example: curtains
- School things for the children
For example: books and pencils
- Costs for renovating the flat
For example: If you paint your flat.
- Telephone costs
- And other things for everyday life.

The office also pays:

1. The rent costs
   2. the heating costs

But the costs must not be too high.
The authorities will tell you
how high the costs can be.

The office sometimes also pays 1. money for:

• the initial furnishing of your flat.
  For example:
  Furniture and electrical appliances.
• an initial outfit of clothes.
  In other words, everything you need to wear .
• Clothes during pregnancy.
• clothes for your baby.
• a class trip for your child.
  
  We discuss your life situation.
  Then we decide
  whether you will get the money once.

How is the basic allowance calculated?

The office calculates the basic allowance.
That means:
Every year, the Office decides anew

- How much money you need.
- How much basic security you get.

It depends on your living situation.
For example:
- Whether you have a child .
- Whether you are bringing up your child alone.
- Or whether you live together
with a partner.

Attention:
You must also show the income
from your partner.

How do I apply for basic security?

You have to make an appointment .
You have to come to the office .
The office is called: Department of Social Affairs.
Or you can go to the Job Centre.
You can find more information under the heading: Contact.

We will discuss your life situation.
We advise you.
We tell you
how much money you will get.

You will then receive the papers for the application.
You can use it to apply for basic security.

We are happy to help you.
If you have any questions .
Or need help .

Contact us:
City of Bocholt
Department of Social Affairs
Berliner Platz 2
46395 Bocholt

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page on the Social Welfare Department.

Housing Entitlement Certificate

Information in easy language

Read this page in everyday language.

There are affordable flats for rent.
The flats were
built with money from the government.
That is why the rent is not so expensive.

If you want to rentsuch a flat:
You need a certificate from the authorities.

The certificate is called:
Wohn-Berechtigungs-Schein.

The abbreviation for this is: WBS.
It is pronounced like this: We-Be-Es.

How do I get a WBS?

You have to apply for the WBS at the social welfare office.
The WBS is then valid for 12 months.

If you don't find a flat within that time:
Then you have to apply for a new
apply for a new WBS.

Important:
A WBS is only valid in the federal state in which it was applied for,
in which it was applied for.

This means:
The WBS from Bocholt is only valid in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Important for the application:
How much money you earn.
You must not earn too much money.
The WBS is for people with little money.

What papers do I need for it?

You have to show or send us these papers:

• Application for the WBS
  You have to fill in an application form.
  The application form is not in plain language.
  We will be happy to help you.
  If you have any questions.
  Or need help.
  
  
• A declaration of your income
  There is a form for this.
  You can declare how much money you earn.
  
  
• Proof of your income
  Proofs are papers or letters.
  For example:
• A certificate of your wage
  or your salary.
  Your boss must fill in the certificate.
  or your boss must fill it in.
• Evidence about your pension
• Letters about it:
  How much money you get from the
  from the employment office .
  Or from the social security office.
• Papers about your maintenance.
  If you get money
  from your wife or husband.

Important:
First, you must show proof of this year's
and last year.

2. if you know that you will soon receive more or
or less money:
Then you must tell us.

For example:
- If you have a new job.
- Or if you will soon get parental money.
- Or if you will soon no longer
any more.

Parenting money means:
Mother and father get parental money
if they stay at home with their
after the birth.

Important for people from abroad:

- Passport with residence permit
If you want to apply for a WBS
you need a passport with a residence permit.
You must show this to us.

Important:
1. this applies to all the people in your family.
Everyone must show us this permit.

2. your permit must still be valid for 1 year.
From the day you apply for the WBS.

Income limits

The WBS is for people with little money.
That is why there is an income limit.

Income limit means:
This is how much money you are allowed to have.
If you want a WBS.

We calculate how much you are allowed to earn.
And how much money you really earn per year.
Then we check whether you can get a WBS.

For this it is important:
How many people live in your household.

There is a basic amount for your income.
And additional amounts for other people.

If more than 2 people live in the household:
Then there is an additional amount for each person.

It is also important:
- Have you just got married?
- Are you bringing up a child alone?
- Do you have a disability?

The income limit is therefore always different.

How do we calculate your income?

We calculate your annual income .
That means: how much you earn in 1 year.

We also work out your expenses .
For example:

• If you pay taxes.
  
  
• If you pay for insurance:
  • Pension insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Long-term care insurance.
    
    
• If you have a severe disability.
  
  
• If you work and bring up your child alone.
  
  
• If you pay maintenance for other people.
  For example: the money for your children.
  For your wife or husband.

We compare your income limit
and your annual income.
Then we'll decide
whether you get a WBS.

Important:
Get advice.
So that the application is correct.
We will be happy to help you.
If you have any questions.

The WBS for North Rhine-Westphalia

The WBS is only valid for the federal state in which it is applied for,
in which it is applied for.

Make your application there:
- Where you live.
- Or where you are looking for a flat.

The WBS for another federal state

If you are looking for a flat in another
you are looking for a flat:
Then you must apply for a WBS there.

What happens once I have a WBS?

There are cheap flats to rent.
The flats were built with money from the government.
The rent is therefore cheaper.
The flats are only for people with WBS.
Only if you have a WBS
you can rent a flat like this.

It is important:
How many people live in your household?
This must match the size of the flat.

Living in the household = size of the flat

1 person up to 50 square metres
2 persons = 2 rooms or 65 square metres
3 persons = 3 rooms or 80 square metres
4 persons = 4 rooms or 95 square metres
5 persons = 5 rooms or 110 square metres
Each additional person
Always 1 room more or 15 square metres more

What if a flat is larger than listed?
The flat may be no more than 5 square metres larger.

Where can I find a flat?

You can find flats with WBS for example:

- In the newspaper.
- On the internet.
- At housing associations.
- You can also ask other people.

Do I have to hand in the application in person?

We have to clarify many questions.
A personal interview is always best.

You do not have to come to the office.
You can also fill out your application on your own.
And send us the application by post.

We will then get in touch with you:
- If we have any questions .
- If we need more information from you.
- When the WBS is ready.
And you can pick it up.

How much does the WBS cost?

The WBS costs between
10 euros and 20 euros.

It depends on
how much you earn.

You have to pay for the WBS with cash money.
When you apply or when you collect it.

We are happy to help you.
If you have any questions.
Or need help.

Come to the counselling session.
Call us beforehand.
Make an appointment.

Address:
City of Bocholt
Department of Social Affairs
Berliner Platz 2
46395 Bocholt

Click here with the mouse. This will open the page where you can find information about the WBS.