Cash Assistance for IDPs
What is cash assistance?
Cash assistance is financial support provided to the most vulnerable refugees, asylum-seekers, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) or households with specific needs, as identified through an assessment, to help meet their basic needs.
To determine your eligibility, refer to the following information that is most suitable to your situation to understand the registration requirements, and the steps in receiving cash assistance.
UNHCR provides cash assistance for:
- Basic needs
- Emergency needs (Emergency Cash Assistance – ECA)
- Winterization (support during harsh weather)
- Shelter needs
You need to be assessed directly by UNHCR’s partners. If you qualify, you will be notified about the cash assistance you will receive.
You should bring any of the following documents:
- Passport
- New National ID card
- Temporary National Identification card
- Driving license
- Primary Identification Page (PIP) (for those with lost IDs, following verification)
Cash assistance is distributed in two ways:
- Through banks: You will receive an SMS with your Hawala number, the cash amount, and collection details.
- Through UNHCR partners: If you qualify for Emergency Cash Assistance, the partner will arrange direct delivery to you.
The process typically takes between a few weeks to two months. You can follow up with the partner a month after your assessment.
Cash assistance may be provided as a one-time payment or in multiple installments, based on your assessment and needs.
Typically, the head of the household receives the assistance. If necessary, another household member may be nominated. For specific needs (e.g., disability), contact UNHCR’s partner for advice.
If you experience issues such as:
- Hawala number not working
- Incorrect payment amount
- Problems locating the bank or agent
Contact UNHCR’s partner or the bank hotline immediately:
- Alamal Microfinance Bank (AMB): 800 0006
- Alkuraimi Islamic Bank (KIB): 800 8800
Contact UNHCR’s partner through the provided hotlines to update your information.
Eligibility depends on assessed needs and available resources. Even if you do not qualify for cash assistance, you may still be eligible for other UNHCR services such as legal assistance, case management, or psychosocial support.
For conditional payments (e.g., for shelter rehabilitation), you must show how the first payment was used for the agreed purposes. Contact the partner for details about the next steps.
UNHCR has zero tolerance for exploitation, fraud, and bribery.
All services from UNHCR and its partners are FREE of charge. If someone asks you for money, report this immediately to UNHCR or its partners.