Initial financial instruments issued for refugee populations
Hear Ya Go! Payment Cards for Benefits in Pforzheim and Enzkreis
By March of this year, refugee citizens in Pforzheim had already received their first payment cards. This launch marks the initial steps of a two-phase transition process that will eventually involve all benefit recipients by April 2025.
The city of Pforzheim started issuing these cards to assigned people since November 2023 and current check recipients, with a total of approximately 700 cards in circulation by February and April of the same year. Meanwhile, the Enzkreis district followed suit, distributing cards to refugees as well.
In a joint letter to the Ministry of Justice and Migration in Baden-Württemberg in March 2024, Mayor Peter Boch and District Administrator Bastian Rosenau expressed their eagerness to participate in a pilot project for the payment card, aiming to help make the card a success.
This payment card functions as a Visa debit card, usable anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Beneficiaries can withdraw up to 50 euros in cash at participating merchants and all ATMs, albeit with a 0.65 euro fee for ATM withdrawals. On the upside, withdrawals at supermarkets are completely free. The card also facilitates transfers and direct debits, like those for rent payments and transportation tickets.
For precise and up-to-date details about the eligibility, transition phases, and other specifics of this payment card program in Pforzheim and Enzkreis, it's best to reach out to local authorities or consult official government websites in those regions. They will likely provide the most accurate and current information on this matter.
Sources: pm
In the implementation of the payment card program, both Pforzheim and Enzkreis districts are integrating this system into their respective business and finance sectors. By April 2025, all benefit recipients in these regions will be utilizing the Visa debit cards for their transactions, including direct debits for rent payments and transportation tickets.
The successful progress of the payment card program in Pforzheim and Enzkreis is a testament to the potential of digitizing financial services in the business landscape, ultimately benefiting the migrant population in these areas.
