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Cash Assistance for Asylum Seekers

Cash assistance is a financial aid program for asylum seekers to help cover basic needs. It is available only to those who can prove continued residence in official Ministry-operated facilities:

  • Reception and identification centers
  • Accommodation facilities
  • Shelters or apartments

🔴 Important! The information provided in this article reflects the legal framework and official procedures outlined by law. However, since May 2024, financial assistance has been suspended due to administrative issues. Refugee.Info acknowledges the significant challenges this suspension imposes on affected individuals and communities and closely monitors the developments.

Please note that in practice, these procedures may not be applied as described due to constraints by the Ministry (find more in the RSA report).

Who is eligible for Cash Assistance?

Eligibility criteria include:

  • Adult asylum seekers residing in refugee camps on the mainland or islands.
  • Unaccompanied minors: Asylum seekers who were placed in accommodation for unaccompanied minors and are transitioning to adult accommodation are eligible for three months after turning 18.
  • Non-working applicants or those whose income is insufficient to provide an adequate standard of living.

Applicants in detention are NOT eligible for cash assistance.

How does Cash Assistance work?

  • Cash assistance is provided monthly at the end of each month.
  • It covers essential expenses such as food, clothing, footwear, personal hygiene, telecommunications, local travel, school-related costs, and pharmaceutical needs.
  • Beneficiaries must present themselves during periodic checks, and the Asylum Service will update you monthly about your legal status.
  • Cash assistance is provided to the family as a unit. If the family status changes, the Asylum Service will notify the Ministry, and cash assistance will be provided individually. A separate payment of the cash assistance may be made even before the separation of the asylum cases.
  • Payments begin upon submitting your application.
  • The camp will update you with any updates about cash assistance.

How much is the Cash Assistance?

The amount depends on family size and whether meals are provided at the accommodation facilities and it is between 75 euros to 210 euros.

When does Cash Assistance end?

Cash assistance will be terminated in the following cases:

  • You receive a positive decision granting refugee or subsidiary protection status or a final negative decision.
  • You withdraw your asylum application explicitly or by missing appointments or failing to renew your card.
  • Your residence in the camp cannot be verified.
  • You have received twelve consecutive monthly payments since being placed in housing or under the cash program.
  • You violate camp regulations, especially through violent behavior.
  • You are found to have concealed income.

If you have been granted an extension of your stay in the camp after receiving a positive decision, financial assistance may be extended for the same duration.