Cochem-Zell will introduce payment cards for asylum seekers by the end of 2025!

Cochem-Zell will introduce payment cards for asylum seekers by the end of 2025!

There is an innovation on the agenda in the Cochem-Zell district that is particularly important for asylum seekers. A payment card is to be introduced by the end of 2025, which will be available to those entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) and the Rhineland-Palatinate State Reception Act. District Administrator Anke Beilstein emphasizes that a total of around 216 people in the district will be affected by this measure in order to facilitate access to important services. The Rhein-Zeitung reports that this card is primarily used to regulate the amount of cash that can be withdrawn each month.

The payment card enables heads of household and adult household members to withdraw up to 130 euros per month. An amount of 50 euros per month is set for minor relatives. This change is intended to reduce administrative effort and offer asylum seekers valuable support in everyday life.

Benefits according to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act

The Asylum Seekers Benefits Act ensures the existential needs of those entitled to benefits, which can be met upon application. This includes essential areas such as nutrition, shelter, heating, clothing and healthcare. Durable and consumer goods as well as personal needs for everyday life are also included. According to information from Cochem-Zell Online These benefits are also granted during illness, pregnancy or childbirth.

In order to receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, some requirements must be met. This includes foreigners with a residence permit, those who are allowed to stay because of war or humanitarian reasons, as well as spouses and minor children of those entitled to benefits. The entitlement to benefits ends in certain cases, for example when you leave the country or are recognized as a person entitled to asylum by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).

Focus on making everyday life easier

The introduction of the payment card is more than just a bureaucratic step - it could make life easier for many of those affected. “It is important that we give the people here a hand and help them find their way in their new surroundings,” says Beilstein. Applying for the benefits is free of charge and applications can be easily submitted to the relevant authorities. An informal application is sufficient to meet the deadline. Anyone seeking protection in Germany as an asylum seeker will find important support with this measure.

The implementation of the AsylbLG is the responsibility of the district and city administrations in Rhineland-Palatinate, and the relevant application instructions are available from the responsible ministry. It's worth knowing the steps to apply so that you can benefit from the supporting measures as quickly as possible.