Düsseldorf's Health Policy in April 2026: Integration, Social Welfare, and Health Promotion

Düsseldorf's Health Policy in April 2026: Integration, Social Welfare, and Health Promotion

In April 2026, Düsseldorf made a range of decisions in health and social policy, with structural improvements and social integration at the forefront. The city is relying on modern concepts such as automated benefit procedures, long-term memberships in international networks, and the provision of basic hygiene needs. Below is an overview of the most important developments.

Automation of Social Ticket Eligibility

A central topic in April 2026 was the automation of social ticket eligibility for people in basic social security. The proposal from the SPD/Volt City Council faction aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles by automatically granting eligibility without requiring users to submit a separate application. Currently, proof must be submitted individually and processed manually – a process that is burdensome and time-consuming for many affected individuals.

Implementation could be carried out by the Job Center and the housing allowance authority. A model from Oberhausen shows that such a system already exists and works. In Düsseldorf, a pilot project is under discussion that could further advance the digitalization and integration of social benefits.

Hygiene Projects and Menstrual Support

Another important topic was the provision of menstrual hygiene products in municipal facilities. Since 2023, Düsseldorf has been offering free menstrual products in museums, libraries, music schools, and youth centers. This initiative has received strong support, particularly among young women and girls, many of whom, according to a 2022 survey by Plan International Germany, struggle to afford hygiene products.

The costs for providing dispensers and refilling them are estimated at around €25,000 until 2026, with annual follow-up costs of €13,000. The city is also running an awareness campaign via social media and its own website to inform affected individuals about the available resources.

Integration into the Municipal Assistance Network

Another focus was the further integration of social assistance into the so-called "municipal assistance network" (SiBu). This network is strategically oriented and aims at better structuring support for addiction and homelessness. Düsseldorf is relying on close coordination with institutions such as NAV Eisenstraße, CROSSPOINT, and Caritas to strengthen prevention and counseling.

The goal is an integrated support system that is more accessible to those in need and offers long-term solutions. Preliminary results of the overall concept are expected to be presented in the Health and Social Affairs Committee in the summer of 2026.

Membership in International Networks

Düsseldorf has also decided to extend its membership in the European Healthy Cities Network of the WHO. The city has been a member since 2014 and has been strongly committed to promoting healthy living conditions in recent years. With the extension until 2030, Düsseldorf will continue to benefit from evidence-based strategies and best practice examples.

Another project is the membership in the Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Wohnungslosenhilfe e.V. (BAG W). This membership strengthens the city’s political involvement at the federal level and enables the representation of local interests in the field of homelessness support. The membership costs €316 per year and are covered by the Office for Migration and Integration.

Legal Security in Emergency Shelters

To provide legal clarity, the ordinance for transitional homes and homeless shelters has been amended. The goal is to regulate the right of entry for the administration into the private rooms of residents. A ruling by an administrative court showed that a mere regulation in the house rules is insufficient – a statutory regulation is constitutionally necessary to protect both the rights of residents and the city.

The amendment has been passed and is now publicly announced in the official gazette. It takes effect the day after publication and does not incur additional costs.

Outlook

Düsseldorf is showing itself as a pioneer in the field of integration, prevention, and structural support in health policy. The automation of social benefits, the provision of basic hygiene products, the strengthening of the assistance network, and membership in international networks are just a few examples of how the city is concretely implementing its health goals.

In the next step, it will be especially important to see how well the projects are implemented in practice and whether they gain lasting acceptance among the population. The evaluation of the measures and the further development of the health concept will be decisive.