Berlin Introduces Prepaid Cards for Refugees with Temporary Cash Limit

The new system limits cash withdrawals to 50 euros per month for six months, after which full access to benefits will be restored.

Berlin has implemented a prepaid card system for newly arrived refugees, allowing cashless payments and limited cash withdrawals.
A temporary monthly cash withdrawal limit of 50 euros has been agreed upon after negotiations between the CDU and SPD.
The cash limit will be in place for six months, after which refugees will regain full access to their benefits in cash.
Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe emphasized that the time-limited restriction ensures compliance with legal standards and avoids long-term rights infringements.
The system follows a January decision to join a nationwide procurement process, with a vendor selected in September to provide the cards.