Restoration of Previous Amounts of UNHCR Basic Needs Cash Assistance

Based on slightly improved funding levels, UNHCR is pleased to announce that its cash assistance for basic needs for some 23,000 families of the most vulnerable refugees in communities will be increased back to the amounts prior to the recent reduction of 25 per cent.

This applies for those refugees currently receiving cash in communities and for the remainder of 2024. The increase is effective from July but will be paid from August.

As donor funding is expected to decrease in 2025, UNHCR continues its fundraising efforts, but cannot guarantee the assistance levels for 2025 at this point in time. There has not been, and there is no change to UNHCR’s cash assistance in camps.

When will this decision take place?

The original value of the assistance amount will be paid for current Basic Needs cash recipients beginning with the August payment, when they will also receive a one-time complement to the amount paid for July (to bring it to the original value).

 

I received July assistance, but it doesn't include the original amount of assistance, but rather the reduced amount Why is that?

The increase in funding was confirmed after the July assistance payment. Therefore, the difference in July assistance will be received with August assistance.

How much will I receive in August?

Basic Needs cash recipients will receive the restored assistance amount for August, as well as a one-time ‘top up’ to complement the July payment (to bring it to the restored level)

Does this mean the assistance won't be reduced again?

As donor funding is expected to decrease in 2025, UNHCR continues its fundraising efforts, but cannot guarantee the assistance levels for 2025 at this point in time.

Why did UNHCR reduce the assistance amount in May and June 2024?

UNHCR recognizes the challenges you and your family face in meeting your most basic needs. Unfortunately, we had not received enough money from donors to maintain our previous amounts of cash assistance.  To support as many refugee families in need as possible, UNHCR was forced to reduce the value of the cash assistance in May and June 2024 by 25%.

Does this change apply to camps?

There has not been, and there is no change to UNHCR’s cash assistance in camps.

Does this apply to WFP assistance?

No. This change is to UNHCR cash assistance only. For any inquiries about WFP assistance, please contact them directly through their communication channels