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Social assistance

Background information

The 1951 Refugee Convention ensures that refugees lawfully staying in a country receive the same treatment as nationals concerning social security, including social assistance. This encompasses assistance for basic needs such as housing, food, and clothing (Article 23). 

The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states that the EU recognises and respects the entitlement to social security benefits and social services providing protection in cases such as maternity, illness, industrial accidents, dependency, or old age, and in the case of loss of employment. This applies to all individuals within the EU, including beneficiaries of international protection.

The Global Compact for Refugees (2018) underscores the importance of integrating refugees into national social protection systems and ensuring their access to social security on par with nationals. It encourages host countries to provide refugees with the same access to social security benefits and services.

The qualification directive (2011/95/EU), (QD), specifically mandates that Member States ensure beneficiaries of international protection receive the necessary social assistance provided to nationals in the Member State that granted protection. This social assistance may be limited to core benefits, provided at the same level and under the same eligibility conditions as for nationals (Article 29 QD). Additionally, the directive acknowledges that Member States may, within the bounds of international obligations, tie the granting of social welfare to the issuance of a residence permit (recital 40 QD). It also underscores the importance of providing beneficiaries of international protection with adequate social welfare and means of subsistence, without discrimination in accessing social assistance (recital 45 QD).

Vulnerable beneficiaries of international protection and/or beneficiaries with special needs should receive social care tailored to their needs. Member States should facilitate access to social services, provide adequate social care and support, assist with communication between beneficiaries and service providers, and ensure ongoing monitoring of their situation. This support should be provided already during the reception phase and continue after they receive international protection, as indicated in the EUAA Guidance on Vulnerability in Asylum and Reception – Operational standards and indicators, 2024, (Standard 27).

Information provision messages

Inform beneficiaries of international protection on the below.

  • Their right to social assistance and their entitlement to equal treatment with nationals regarding access to these services. If this is the case, Specify how the entitlements in terms of access to social assistance differ between beneficiaries of international protection and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. 
  • Social assistance services available while the beneficiary is still accommodated in the reception system, such as parental counselling, childcare, support with transportation to access relevant services, support with shopping for beneficiaries with mobility impairments, specific support groups (e.g. addiction, LGBTQI).
  • The types of social assistance programmes available, such as housing assistance (including rent and utilities subsidies), food support, emergency financial aid, disability aid, child and school benefits, safe shelters etc. Clarify the differences between temporary and long-term social assistance programmes and the circumstances under which each is provided.
  • The competent authority for each type of social assistance benefits and services.
  • The eligibility criteria for accessing various social assistance benefits and services, including income thresholds, family size, age, gender, and residency requirements.
  • The main steps of the application process for different types of social assistance benefits and services, including gathering documents, preparing and submitting files, and attending interviews.
  • The available support services, including NGOs and government agencies that offer counselling and guidance for accessing social assistance. Additionally, inform beneficiaries about language support services (e.g. translation, interpretation) to help them understand and access their social assistance rights.
  • Their obligations to maintain their eligibility for certain social assistance services and benefits, such as regular reporting and attending appointments.
  • The importance of reporting changes in personal circumstances, such as employment status or family composition, that could affect social assistance benefits. Explain how to report these changes, the potential impact on benefits, and the penalties for failing to report.
  • The importance of respectful interactions with social assistance service providers.
  • Consequences for breaching the rules regarding entitlement to social assistance.
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Practical tips

  • Inform social assistance providers about beneficiaries' unique circumstances, such as potential lack of birth and marriage certificates, lack of national passports etc. Use this occasion to emphasise beneficiaries' rights to access social assistance schemes and highlight the available documents they use in the process.