Carinthia introduces new non -cash benefits for asylum seekers - that's how it works!

Carinthia introduces new non -cash benefits for asylum seekers - that's how it works!

Finkenstein, Österreich - From September 2023, the cash payment for asylum seekers will be discontinued in Carinthia. Instead, asylum seekers receive a non -cash benefit card that is used for basic care services. This changeover currently affects 41 people in the facility in Finkenstein, such as [Kosmo] (https://www.kosmo.at/schlauf-mit-bargeld-fuer-asylwerber-so-functioned-- Neue payment card/). The Federal Research Agency (BBU) sees progress in terms of security and control, since the new payment system is gradually implemented in all eight Austrian federal quarters.

The non -cash benefit card is similar to a ATM card and is charged with a monthly pocket money of 40 euros and remuneration for non -profit activities. The card can be used to make necessary purchases such as food and medication, while purchases of alcohol, gambling and foreign transfers are blocked. There are currently around 50 asylum facilities in Carinthia with a total of 1,905 people in basic services who have received cash so far.

pilot projects in Upper Austria

In Upper Austria, a pilot project for the introduction of the non -cash performance card is currently underway. 85 cards are tested here in seven care facilities, supported by organizations such as the Red Cross and Diakonie. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and State of Integration Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (both ÖVP) also demand the implementation of this card to prevent abuse. The goal is to provide accommodation and food without being the uncontrolled payment of cash, as [Meinverzirk] (https://www.meinbezirk.at/oberoesterreich/c-lokales/sachpleistungskarte-fuer-asylwerber-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll-soll- ie

As part of the pilot project, users have the option of viewing their account balance online or by app. A one -time fee -free cash payment of 40 euros is provided, while further withdrawals are chargeable. In addition, up to 110 euros can be loaded onto the card for charitable activities. Carinthia's State Councilor for Refugee, Sara Schaar, has already signaled that Carinthia also wants to switch to the new system after successful testing.

different regulations in Germany

In Germany, a similar model is pursued by asylum seekers in the future to obtain state services through a payment card. This decision was made by the federal and state governments in November 2023 to reduce the administrative effort and prevent money transfers to the countries of origin. Here, too, transfers with the card are not possible, and it is only used within Germany. The introduction of the card is to be sought from Summer 2024, whereby some federal states already have pilot projects in this area, as ZDF.

Overall, it turns out that both Austria and Germany take similar paths to regulate the support of asylum seekers. The non -cash benefits are intended to ensure that the funds provided are used specifically for vital for life and that control over the financial resources is further improved.