We would like to inform you of a policy change regarding the UNHCR cash assistance Programme for refugees from Ukraine residing in the Republic of Moldova.
UNHCR is adjusting the criteria of who qualifies refugees to receive cash assistance to ensure better support reaches those who are most in need.
UNHCR, in collaboration with partner organizations the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Diaconia, and Caritas Moldova, will be conducting interviews for all refugees who are receiving cash assistance to assess their level of vulnerability and continued eligibility for UNHCR cash support.
New Targeting Criteria: The updated targeting criteria involve assessing various factors indicating a refugee’s degree of vulnerability. Through this thorough assessment process, we will prioritize the most vulnerable families based on the resources available to UNHCR.
What You Need to Know:
Assessment and Verification Interviews: You will receive an SMS with an invitation to attend the assessment interview at the closest cash enrollment centre starting from the week of 29/04/2024 (interviews in Chisinau) and 07/05/2024 (interviews in Chisinau and elsewhere). It is very important that you attend your scheduled interview. The interview will also serve as a verification interview for continued assistance. If you do not appear for your interview, such that UNHCR is unable to confirm your continued presence in Moldova, you risk losing your assistance.
If you are a person with disabilities and/or severe medical conditions and you are unable to approach a cash enrolment Centre, please call: 0 800 10 823 to request a home visit.
If you have any questions about your scheduled interview, you may call 0 800 10 823 to get more information.
What to expect in the Interviews: During the interview, we will ask you a series of questions to gain a deeper understanding of your family’s needs and capacities as they relate to household composition, accommodation, health, socio-economic status, and specific needs. This information is vital in assessing your eligibility for cash assistance. Please note that all the information collected during these interviews will be kept confidential. Trained staff from the cash enrolment centre’s protection desks will be available to discuss any sensitive information in a confidential space.
Documents: Please approach cash enrolment centres with all your family members and bring essential documents such as any ID document provided by the Government of Moldova, national passport (either biometric or internal), national ID card, medical reports (if any), disability certificate (even if expired) etc.
Outcome Notification: After the assessment, you will receive an SMS notification within 4-5 weeks informing you about the outcome of the assessment.
Discontinuation of cash assistance for those who do not meet the new eligibility criteria: UNHCR expects to begin discontinuing cash assistance for those who do not meet the new eligibility criteria as of June 2024. It is important, therefore, to start planning now for this possibility.
New Arrivals from Ukraine: New refugee arrivals from Ukraine in Moldova will receive an initial two months of cash assistance based on the current vulnerability criteria. After this period, they will need to demonstrate a more secure legal status in the country, with the new eligibility criteria being applied after that.
We are committed to ensuring support for the most vulnerable individuals benefiting from UNHCR cash assistance within our available resources and appreciate your cooperation during this transition.
If you have not received an SMS yet about your interview, please rest assured that we will be contacting everyone for an assessment.
Thank you for your understanding!
SMS invitations will be sent to refugees to schedule interview appointments:
You and your family are invited for an assessment and verification interview on {date}, {time} at {cash enrollment centre}. For more info call 080010823.