According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in December 2019, 90,537 eligible refugees and asylum-seekers (45,451 families) received cash assistance in Greece, in 116 locations.
The assistance was provided by the UNHCR as part of the ESTIA programme, funded by the European Commission.
“Cash assistance restores dignity and empowers asylum-seekers and refugees who can now choose how to cover their basic needs. It also contributes directly to the economy of the host community through the purchase of services and goods. UNHCR in Greece works with the Greece Cash Alliance partners the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS),” reads the latest UNHCR report.
Demographics of Refugees and Asylum-Seekers Assisted with Cash
Since April 2017, 159,222 eligible individuals have received cash assistance in Greece at least once. Eligibility is assessed on the basis of one’s date of entry in the country, legal status and current location.
Of the 90,537 individuals who received cash assistance this month, 15,500 have international protection in Greece. Out of 45,451 families, 22% were women, 40% men and 38% children.
31% of all who received cash assistance this month were families of five members or more and a further 32% were single adults. 76% of individuals in the cash assistance scheme are from Afghanistan, Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The amount of cash assistance distributed to each household is proportionate to the family size. It ranges between 90 euros for an individual in catered accommodation, to 550 euros for a family of seven members or more in self-catered accommodation.
*Source: UNHCR
