Access to support and services
On this page, you can learn about:
Applying for documentation
To apply for a personal ID document, address card or travel document, you have to visit a Government Office (“Kormányhivatal” in Hungarian). For more information please check the Government’s Hotline webpage. General information on the Government Offices is available here.
Financial support
When you have refugee or subsidiary protection status you have the same rights as Hungarian citizens and you are entitled to mainstream social benefits and assistance Hungarian citizens in similar situations have.
| Benefit | Information |
|---|---|
| Family Allowance (Családi Pótlék) | A universal monthly benefit granted for each child from birth until the age of 20 while attending school or higher education, or until the age of 23 for children with special needs. Applications can be submitted at the Government Office using the application form. |
| Regular Child Protection Benefit (Rendszeres Gyermekvédelmi Kedvezmény) | Provides in-kind and financial support to families in need, including free school and school-holiday meals and twice-yearly financial assistance. Applications should be submitted to the notary’s office of the local municipality. |
| Support for Mothers (Anyasági Támogatás) | A one-time financial benefit provided following childbirth, regardless of the recipient’s financial situation. Applications can be submitted at the Government Office using the relevant application form. |
| Infant Care Allowance (CSED) / Childcare Allowance (GYED) | CSED is a monthly allowance and benefit provided for 168 days following the birth of the child, while GYED provided from the day after the end of the period of CSED until the child is 2 years old or, in the case of twins, until the child is 3 years old, both are based on specific preconditions, inter alia, the condition of participating in the social security system. The application form must be submitted to the eligible parent’s employer, both during and after the termination of the employment. |
| Childcare Assistance (GYES) | A monthly allowance available for each child up to age three, for twins until they begin school, or up to age ten for children with a long-term illness or severe disability. Applications may be submitted to the Government Office using the designated form. |
| Child-raising Support (GYET) | A monthly benefit for parents or guardians raising three or more minor children. The support is available from the youngest child’s third birthday until age eight, provided that at least three minor children live in the household. Applications can be submitted to the Government Office by submitting this form. |
| Jobseeker Benefit (Álláskeresési Járadék) | A monthly benefit available to registered jobseekers for up to 90 days, subject to eligibility conditions. Applications can be submitted in person at the National Employment Service office or online at the Service’s webpage by using your birthdate and TAJ number (Social Insurance Number). |
There are also some forms of non-financial (in-kind) social assistance (food, school meals, materials) that can be usually requested from the municipalities, where your permanent address is registered, such as exemption from paying for prescribed medication (free or cheaper medication), free or discounted institutional child meals and free holiday meals for children, and one-time in-kind child protection support (support for textbooks and educational materials, takeover of tuition fee etc.).
For more information on eligibility conditions and application procedures please turn to the town clerk’s office at the local municipality.
(Each and every service requires a different procedure, so it is best to refer the beneficiary to the local municipality.)
Housing and accommodation
As a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection, also as a tolerated status holder, you can spend up to 30 days in the reception facility at Balassagyarmat after receiving the status decision. After the 30 days expire, the immigration authority (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, called “OIF” in Hungarian) gives you a written statement indicating that you must leave the camp.
During these 30 days, among other tasks – such as obtaining necessary ID, health insurance and tax documents – you will need to find housing opportunities. Social workers of the centre should be of assistance in this.
The below organisations can possibly provide support or advice in finding accommodation/housing or shelter opportunities, however, it is not guaranteed that they will be able to assist in all cases.
Healthcare
Free health services in the first 6 months
During the first six months after you receive your refugee or subsidiary protection status, you are entitled to free basic health services. These services include medical screenings, examinations, and treatment, both general and specialised.
Typically, the social workers at the asylum facility where you are staying will arrange for a health insurance card (known as “TAJ kártya” in Hungarian) for you. However, it may not be ready before you leave the camp. Instead, you will receive an A4-sized document called “Hatósági Bizonyítvány” in Hungarian. This document will allow you to obtain the actual health card when you move to Budapest or other cities.
In case the social workers do not arrange for the health insurance card, you will need to take care of it yourself at your local Government’s Office (where your permanent address is registered).
Health insurance after the first 6 months
After the initial six months have passed, you can obtain health insurance that covers all medical costs in a few ways:
For this you need to request the local Government Office to assess your eligibility and issue a certificate, which is valid for one year.
Getting legal help
If you find yourself in need of free legal assistance in Hungary, there are several organisations who can provide help for various legal matters.
Hungarian Helsinki Committee
- Refugee / subsidiary protection status (asylum procedure),
- Protection for stateless persons,
- Naturalization (= how to get Hungarian citizenship),
- Family reunification procedure (= reuniting with direct family members, such as minor children, wife/husband, parents from the country of origin or other countries),
- Status review (= in case the authority decides to review your refugee / subsidiary protection status, or it is reviewed under mandatory periodic review),
- Ill-treatment, violence, abuse by authorities (like the immigration authority, police, security guards),
- Hate crimes (= when you are attacked physically or verbally because of your actual or perceived belonging to a social group, such as a religious, ethnic group or being a refugee, etc.).
Menedék Association
- Legal questions other than in relation to the asylum, immigration, or criminal procedure,
- Visa and residence permit
- Social rights (= right to social support, labour rights, right to education etc.).
