The pilot operation of the benefits-in-kind card for asylum seekers in Upper Austria is progressing. At his first press conference as State Councilor for Social Affairs, Christian Dörfel (VP), together with the supporting organizations Volkshilfe, Red Cross and Caritas, presented the progress made in practice so far and gave an outlook on the “roadmap” for the coming months.
As reported, Upper Austria has been a test region since July 2024 with facilities in the Steyr area (operated by the Red Cross and Volkshilfe, among others) and the federal care facility in Bad Kreuzen. There are currently around 300 cards in use, on which all basic services are booked. The cash withdrawal amount is limited to 40 euros per month. Transfers abroad are excluded; the cards are also blocked for betting places or pornography, for example.
From mid-November, operations will be expanded to the central Linz area and Linz-Land. This means that around 1,100 asylum seekers should ultimately have a payment card, i.e. more than a third of the 3,702 people currently receiving basic services in Upper Austria. “For us, the introduction can be seen as a success. On the one hand, we are combating the abuse of social benefits, and on the other hand, the card simplifies the bureaucratic system,” says Dörfel. From February onwards, asylum seekers who are accommodated privately will also receive a card. By the end of 2025 – according to the plan – every asylum seeker in Upper Austria will be equipped with a payment card.
ATM terminals in social markets
In exchange with the supporting organizations, efforts are being made to simplify and adapt the system. There is almost no negative feedback or problems, says Dörfel. This is also confirmed by Volkshilfe managing director Jasmine Chansri: “Even though we were critical of a purely benefit-in-kind card, we see it positively in its current form with an additional cash withdrawal function.”
Thomas Märzinger, director of the Upper Austrian Red Cross, also sees an advantage in the card: “There is now not so much cash in circulation in the neighborhoods, which also increases security.” In the Red Cross markets, where food is offered to those in need at much cheaper prices, terminals have also been installed where you can pay with your card.
Nationwide tender ends in December
Caritas Upper Austria is new. Board member Marion Huber reported that the first cards will be handed out and transferred next Thursday and Friday.
The tender for a nationwide payment card ends at the beginning of December. However, the countries can decide for themselves whether they want to adopt the model or not.
Criticism comes from the Greens
Ines Vukajlovic from the Greens criticizes the lack of transparency in the costs of the system. For example, it was not recorded how much asylum seekers supposedly transfer abroad, how much the card saves in social abuse and what it actually brings with it. With this project, the ÖVP is simply trying to “bring back blue voters with a hard hand so as not to continue to bleed out to the FPÖ.”
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**Interview with Christian Dörfel, State Councilor for Social Affairs, Upper Austria**
*Interviewer: Good morning, Mr. Dörfel. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pilot operation of the benefits-in-kind card for asylum seekers in Upper Austria. Can you summarize the purpose of this initiative?*
**Christian Dörfel:** Good morning, and thank you for having me. The benefits-in-kind card is designed to streamline the distribution of social benefits to asylum seekers while combating potential abuse of the system. It allows for the provision of essential services while placing limitations on cash withdrawals and preventing funds from being used inappropriately.
*Interviewer: You mentioned that around 300 cards are in use so far, with plans to expand. What does the rollout look like in terms of numbers and timeline?*
**Christian Dörfel:** Yes, as of now, we have 300 cards distributed in the Steyr area, and we plan to expand operations to Linz and Linz-Land starting mid-November. By that time, we expect to have around 1,100 cards issued. Ultimately, our goal is to provide every asylum seeker in Upper Austria with a payment card by the end of 2025.
*Interviewer: The feedback regarding the card seems to be positive. Could you elaborate on the reactions from supporting organizations like Volkshilfe and the Red Cross?*
**Christian Dörfel:** Absolutely. Organizations like Volkshilfe and the Red Cross have reported favorable experiences with the card’s implementation. Although there were initial concerns about exclusively using a benefits-in-kind system, the additional cash withdrawal functionality has made it more acceptable. This not only simplifies the process for asylum seekers but also enhances community safety by reducing cash circulation in neighborhoods.
*Interviewer: However, there have been criticisms regarding the transparency of the costs associated with the program. How do you respond to those concerns?*
**Christian Dörfel:** We acknowledge the need for transparency and are working to clarify the system’s costs. It’s crucial to gather accurate data on various aspects of the program, including any potential savings from preventing social abuse. We are committed to providing clear insights as the program evolves.
*Interviewer: Looking ahead, how do you see this initiative impacting the lives of asylum seekers in Upper Austria?*
**Christian Dörfel:** This initiative is about dignity and support. By providing this card, we are ensuring that asylum seekers can access necessary services with greater ease. It simplifies bureaucracy, offers security, and promotes integration into society. I truly believe that with time, this program will significantly improve the lives of many in our region.
*Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Dörfel. We look forward to seeing how this program develops in the coming months.*
**Christian Dörfel:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited about the progress we are making and the positive impact we can achieve together.