This is a question that Violaine asked us via the orange “Alert us” button: she is currently hosting Ukrainian refugees and is wondering regarding the social integration income paid to them by the CPAS. What are the amounts? How are they assigned?
Violaine has been welcoming a Ukrainian family for over a month in Gesves (Namur). Svetlana, her daughter and her niece.
Thanks to the help provided by Violaine, the three refugees will soon be able to receive an income from the CPAS. “For the three people, it’s 1,400 euros plus 250 euros of family allowances per child. When I say the amount, it’s every time ‘but why?’ ”
The amount may surprise some, yet the integration income is the same everywhere in Belgium:
For Svetlana, very affected by the events in her country, including the destruction of her house in kyiv, this income will allow this mother, for example, to find an apartment and seek psychological help.
Every situation is different. Marie-Odile is a social worker for the CPAS in Gesves.
She is in the middle of a home visit when we question her. She is with Christelle, a resident of the town who welcomes a mother and her daughter.
Each will receive the income at the cohabitant rate, i.e. 729 euros per month. Income that will help to contribute to the costs of the host: “It was decided that once a Ukrainian family would receive social assistance, they would sign a precarious occupation agreement with their host family in which a percentage of 20% is included, in common agreement with the welcoming“, explains Marie-Odie.
But for Christelle, the financial side is not to be considered in the face of the distress of the women she welcomes. “I think they are entitled to it. The day they leave, 729 euros per person, I don’t think that’s too much.”
The municipality of Gesves welcomes 45 Ukrainian refugees. As everywhere in Belgium, the assistance provided is the same for any political refugee or Belgian person. Eventually, these refugees will have to find housing and work.
Refugees from Gesves hope to find their sons and husbands as soon as possible
