Skepticism in the Rhein-Kreis: New payment card for refugees in criticism

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the new "SocialCard" payment card for refugees was introduced on January 7, 2025. The first cards were distributed in five state institutions, one per government district. In the next three months, the card will be gradually introduced in a further 50 facilities. This "social card" replaces the weekly cash payment to asylum seekers. The amount of social benefits remains unchanged and the right to the payment card exists for people who receive basic services according to the Asylum Seekers Benefit Act or analogue services.

For the introduction and operation of the card, 12 million euros in budgetary funds were provided. From the second quarter of 2025, the system should be available across the board in the municipalities. Critics see a patronization of the refugees in the new regulation, since the card is only valid in certain shops and cannot be used for the purchase of tobacco and alcohol. However, NRW Minister Josefine Paul emphasized that cash remains available as a payment option, whereby a maximum of 50 euros can be withdrawn from the card per month.

criticism of the municipalities

The introduction of the "social card" already met with skepticism in the Rhein-Kreis. The social heads of all municipalities in the district met and agreed on a common position. Too many questions and unclear framework conditions are opposed to the introduction of the payment card. The municipalities demand more clarity from the country and consider waiting for the test phase to be necessary in the state accommodations. Neuss Social Authority Holger Lachmann emphasizes the importance of waiting.

The card works on a credit basis and can either be used as a physical debit card or via smartphone app. The card provider is visa and it can be used in over 15,000 shops across Germany. However, use abroad or for money transfers is excluded abroad. Payments in the area of ​​gambling and for sexual services are also not possible. After 36 months of uninterrupted stay in Germany, asylum seekers can receive analogue services under certain conditions.

For detailed information on the introduction of the "SocialCard" and the reactions of the municipalities, see RP online and Ruhr24.