Cash assistance

Important Update on Cash Assistance for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

March 17, 2026

    Due to limited funding at the global level, UNHCR operations in Syria including the Multi-Purpose Cash Grant (MPCG) programme, has been affected. This means that assistance cannot continue for  everyone who received financial assistance last year.

    In 2026 the MPCG will be focusing on families and individuals who are most vulnerable.

    UNHCR and its partners remain committed to supporting refugees and asylum-seekers and UNHCR continues to seek additional resources to assist those most in need.

    We encourage everyone to rely only on UNHCR’s official channels, as unverified information and rumors may circulate. For any questions, please contact UNHCR through the usual channels.

    For more information, please check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on MPCG Assistance Reduction by refugees and asylum seekers in Syria

    Important: All UNHCR services are free of charge.

    Cash for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Syria

    Attention: All UNHCR services and those of our partners are FREE!

    Due to limited funding at the global level, UNHCR operations in Syria including the Multi-Purpose Cash Grant (MPCG) programme, has been affected. This means that assistance cannot continue for  everyone who received financial assistance last year.

    In 2026 the MPCG will be focusing on families and individuals who are most vulnerable.

    UNHCR and its partners remain committed to supporting refugees and asylum-seekers and UNHCR continues to seek additional resources to assist those most in need.

    We encourage everyone to rely only on UNHCR’s official channels, as unverified information and rumors may circulate. For any questions, please contact UNHCR through the usual channels.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on MPCG Assistance Reduction by refugees and asylum seekers in Syria:

    The reduction is due to limited funding at the global level and operational prioritization. UNHCR must prioritize its resources to ensure that other essential services, including protection and life-saving interventions, remain available to the population. Therefore, financial assistance will now focus on the most vulnerable individuals and families.

    Assistance will be provided only to refugees and asylum-seekers who meet the new eligibility criteria based on a protection-focused assessment, which prioritizes families and individuals with severe vulnerabilities and considers a combination of different conditions

    The revised criteria for assistance will take effect starting 2026.

    You will receive direct communication from UNHCR through SMS. If you have questions, you can contact the UNHCR help lines,  during working hours.

    If you are not eligible for MPCG assistance:

    • You can still access other UNHCR and partner services, including psychosocial support, legal assistance, and education through UNHCR. Health referrals and community-based activities continue to be available at the UNHCR Community Centre in Tadamoun, operated by SARC for refugees residing in Damascus and Rural Damascus, and in other community centres across the country.

    No. The reduction in financial assistance does not affect your legal status, registration or access to protection services.

    You can:

    • Call the UNHCR helplines designated for the governorate of your residence.
    • Submit feedback through community focal points, outreach volunteers.
    • Use complaint boxes at UNHCR offices.

    All feedback will be treated confidentially.

    Cash for Syrian Returnees

    Attention: All UNHCR services and those of our partners are FREE!

    If you were a Syrian refugee who has returned permanently to Syria, your family may be considered for a one-time cash grant of USD 600 from UNHCR Syria to help support your return and reintegration. Support will be prioritized for the most vulnerable households, and each case will be assessed individually in line with established eligibility criteria.

    This cash grant will be provided only once per family. This means that if one person in your family has already received the assistance, no other family member registered under the same file or Family Number/Temporary Protection ID can receive it again, even if they return to Syria at a later time.

    UNHCR recognizes the challenges you may face upon returning home and remains committed to providing support, within limited available resources, to Syrian returnees as they settle back home. However, due to funding constraints, cash grant cannot be provided to all returnees.  Where needed, UNHCR may facilitate referrals to other service providers to help families access additional support.

    If you are found eligible for cash assistance, UNHCR will contact you directly with information on when, where and how the assistance will be delivered.  Please ensure that the WhatsApp number registered with UNHCR in the host country remains active since that’s the primary and only channel through which UNHCR Syria can communicate with you.

    UNHCR services are provided free of charge. UNHCR does not ask for any payment or fees at any stage of the process. If anyone requests money or claims they can influence access to assistance, please do not respond and report the incident to the UNHCR Call Centre.

    How UNHCR will contact you

    UNHCR will contact households only through the official WhatsApp number +41 22 355 05 61. Please follow only the instructions you receive from this number.

    Please note that this WhatsApp number is used only to send official messages from UNHCR and cannot receive calls or messages.

    Communication with UNHCR Syria regarding cash assistance

    To inquire about the cash assistance or to update your personal data, including new contact number in Syria, please call UNHCR Call Centre on this number [01121812333].

    UNHCR Call Centre operates from Sunday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

    If your WhatsApp number registered with UNHCR is changed, or a Syrian number is added, please contact UNHCR Call Centre to update your contact information.

    If you have returned to Syria and have not been contacted by UNHCR, this may be because your case has not been prioritized for assistance, UNHCR Syria has not been notified of your return to Syria, or information about your documentation and/or contact number is not registered with UNHCR in the host country.

    How your data is protected

    For more details on how your data is protected, please read UNHCR privacy notice https://help.unhcr.org/syria/unhcr-privacy-notice/

    What to do after your return

    • Check  Syria is Home for updates.
    • Visit a UNHCR-supported Community Centre to get information on services/assistance available in your area of return.
    • Make sure your phone is on, and WhatsApp is working — this is how UNHCR will reach you.

    Alert: UNHCR Syria DOES NOT provide Resettlement to Syrians.

     Beware of scammers and fake accounts!
     Always remember All UNHCR services are FREE.
     Never share your personal data or information related to UNHCR registration and bank account with anyone claiming to be offering assistance, resettlement or cash.

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