Payment card for asylum seekers: controversial introduction to Saxony-Anhalt!

Payment card for asylum seekers: controversial introduction to Saxony-Anhalt!

The introduction of the new payment card for refugees in Germany, which came into force in May 2024, continues to provide a lot of conversation. This card, which depicts the individual claim of performance of the users according to the Asylum Seekers Authority Act (AsylumBlG), is intended to make the payment of social benefits more efficient and at the same time prevent abuse. According to MDR the payment card largely replaces the previous cash benefits, whereby transfers are excluded abroad and overdrafts.

The advantages of this handling are obvious: By using credit on debit cards, municipalities state that the administrative expenditure has been greatly reduced because cash payments and transfers are eliminated. Ariane Berger, Managing Director of the Saxony-Anhalt district day, describes the payment card as easy to use. It is emerging that good business has also emerged for the administrations.

However, there are also dark sides

Despite the positive feedback, there are violent discussions about the payment card. There is criticism of the cash withdrawals, which are limited to a maximum of 50 euros per month. This restriction is incomprehensible, because many asylum seekers do not feel sufficiently supported financially. In addition, the question is raised whether the payment card does not also contribute to the stigmatization of asylum seekers. Many fear that the use of this card, which is not part of the Girocard system, is a recognizable marking that makes integration into society difficult.

Another problem area is the limited acceptance of the payment card in shops, especially in rural areas. Here the question arises how best to cover the basic needs of the refugees. Politicians argue that the introduction of this card should primarily serve to reduce the administrative costs and limit expenditure to ensure fundamental needs. However, critics oppose this that the financial autonomy of those affected is restricted, which can lead to a feeling of incapacitation.

legal framework and services

Legally, the payment card is based on the Asylum Seekers' Performance Act, which regulates the services for asylum seekers, tolerated and obliged people. These legal foundations create the basis for refugees already entitled to performance from the statement of their asylum seekers. This is an important information, because the performance claim is not only effective with the submission of the formal application, but is already available beforehand, such as Basic knowledge asylum

In addition, it is worth noting that, after 36 months of uninterrupted stay, analogous services (comparable to social assistance) can be requested under certain preconditions. In the meantime, asylum seekers receive benefits according to the AsylbLG, while recognized refugees are entitled to social benefits according to the Social Code. And not to forget: Ukrainian refugees also have access to these supports after they have applied for temporary protection.

The discourse on the payment card for asylum seekers not only shows the challenges associated with their introduction, but also raises questions about the rights and integration of refugees in Germany. It remains to be seen whether it actually contributes to improving the life situation of those affected or is more of new hurdles.