Department of Welfare
The Department of Welfare offers a diverse and ambitious welfare service aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Reykjavík City.
The Department encompasses 120 work locations, including 77 that provide around-the-clock services.
Organizational chart
Director
The Director of the Department of Welfare is Rannveig Einarsdóttir.
Welfare Policy
Reykjavík City's Welfare Policy was approved by the City Council in June 2021. It sets a framework for an ambitious welfare service. Its aim is to enhance quality of life, support dignity for all residents of Reykjavík, and ensure that Reykjavík truly serves everyone. The Policy is effective until 2030. It includes a detailed action plan until 2025.
Centers
The Department of Welfare has four Centers located in the city's districts, in addition to operating an online service center. They offer a variety of support, counseling, and services to individuals and families, provide specialist services in preschools and primary schools, and undertake projects in the areas of prevention and social capital.
There, one can apply for social counseling and support for activity, financial assistance, special housing aid, home care services, home nursing, and much more. The centers operate housing resources for disabled people, social activities for adults, and various special projects that cater to the needs of residents.
Child Protective Services
Reykjavík Child Protection Services work to ensure that children living in unacceptable conditions or whose health and development are at risk receive appropriate support. Child Protection runs diverse homes for children, provides support and counseling within the home, and manages foster care arrangements in temporary, permanent, or supported solutions. An on-call service is operational every day outside office hours.
- If a child is in danger, always call 112
- Inquiries and requests can be sent by email to barnavernd@reykjavik.is
- Notifications concerning the welfare of children can be sent through a special reporting portal
- The phone number for Child Protection during office hours is 411 9200
Statistics and additional information
- The Department of Welfare's statistics website maintains all monthly and annual key figures for the Department's services
- The Department of Welfare's 2025 annual report covers a wide range of information about the department's operations and services. The Department of Welfare's 2024 and 2023 annual reports are also available here.
- The Facebook page of the Department of Welfare conveys various news and updates from the Department's work
- There is a strong willingness in the Department of Welfare to participate in research. To have a request considered, send a completed research request to vel.rannsoknir@reykjavik.is
- Information on the status of individual cases and applications can be obtained at the Centers
- Suggestions relating to the services of the Department of Welfare can be sent through a special suggestion portal
- The phone number for Reykjavík City's Service Center is 4 11 11 11
Contact us
Department of Welfare values
Respect
We respect everyone we interact with. We embrace diversity and treat others as we wish to be treated.
Activity
We want everyone to be able to actively participate in society on their own terms. We provide individualized services and work to enhance the initiative and independence of city residents and staff.
Welfare
We lead discussions on welfare issues and the quality of life of city residents and consistently fight against poverty. We strengthen families and individuals with education, support, monitoring, and rehabilitation as needed.