Berlin Senate Approves Prepaid Card for Asylum Seekers with Cash Limits

The card will replace cash payments for new arrivals, with a €50 monthly cash withdrawal cap during the first six months.

The Berlin Senate has approved the implementation of a prepaid card system for asylum seekers, replacing direct cash payments for those in state-run facilities.
Adults and children will face a €50 monthly cash withdrawal limit during the first six months of card usage, after which the restriction will be lifted.
The prepaid card is part of a nationwide initiative, though other German states have adopted varying rules, including higher withdrawal limits in some cases.
The card will be reviewed six months after its introduction to assess its effectiveness and compliance with legal standards, as agreed by the Senate.
This decision represents a compromise between Berlin's CDU, which supported the cash cap, and the SPD, which emphasized the need to avoid stigma for refugees.