Where in Europe Ukrainian refugees can receive the largest benefits: 7 countries are mentioned

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has led to a significant influx of refugees seeking safety and stability in various European countries. Governments generally pay Ukrainian refugees monthly allowances in the same range. But some countries pay much higher amounts. 

Comparing monthly allowances for Ukrainian Refugees

As these displaced individuals navigate the challenges of starting anew in foreign lands, one crucial aspect of their resettlement is the financial assistance they receive from host nations.

European countries generally offer monthly allowances to Ukrainian refugees, providing them with essential support to cover living expenses and ensure a smooth integration into their new communities.

While many European nations provide similar levels of financial aid, some countries offer substantially higher allowances, setting the stage for a diverse landscape of support for Ukrainian refugees.

Norway

Ukrainian citizens who have received temporary protection in Norway receive average monthly benefits of approximately EUR 650 per adult and EUR 250-350 per child.

When refugees start language courses as part of the integration program, they receive approximately EUR 1,400. Thanks to these funds, they pay for their apartment and utilities on their own.

In Norway, Ukrainians have the same rights as local residents. They can use state educational institutions for their children free of charge, receive medical assistance, and find official employment.

Belgium

In Belgium, financial assistance to Ukrainians is granted depending on family status, and the monthly living wage is:

• single adults receive €1,139.97 per month;
• a family of two adults - each receives EUR 758.64;
• an additional EUR 150-220 is paid for each child, with the total monthly payment not exceeding EUR 1,537.90 per family.

Ireland

The country offers the following financial assistance:

• a person over 23 years of age receives EUR 206 per week, or up to EUR 824 per month;
• if you have an adult under your care, you can receive a benefit of EUR 138 per week, and for the care of a child under 12 years of age you will receive EUR 40 per week, for a child over 12 years of age - EUR 48;
• a person aged 18-24 living alone receives a weekly payment of EUR 206 and can also count on social benefits for care;
• people aged 18-24 who do not live alone receive a salary of €117.70 per week (people of this age with children are entitled to a maximum benefit of €206 per person per week).

In addition to these benefits, the Department pays parents or guardians an allowance for each child under 16 years of age. The amount of these benefits is EUR 140 per month per child.

The state also provides Ukrainian refugees with temporary housing, access to free health insurance, free education for children and language courses for adults. In addition, Ukrainian citizens in Ireland have the right to official employment.

Germany

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has officially announced an increase in fees for Ukrainian citizens depending on their category:

• single adults and single parents receive €502;
• adult Ukrainians – 451 euros;
• children up to 5 years old – 318 euros;
• children aged 6-13 – 348 euros;
• children aged 14-17 – 420 euros.

Ukrainians with temporary residence status in Germany receive financial assistance from the Employment Center, which is granted to people who could not find a job in the country and are subject to the conditions of unemployment benefits.

Ukrainian refugees in Germany receive the same benefits as the local population: free basic medical care, the opportunity to educate their children in German schools and open access to the German labor market.

France

Basic aid for Ukrainians in France is 6.8 euros per day per person, which is approximately 204 euros per month per person. In the case of families consisting of two or more people, the amount of assistance increases in proportion to the number of family members.

The total monthly benefit for one person is EUR 426, and a family, e.g., a mother with a child, receives EUR 528 per month.

Moreover, France offers Ukrainians not only social housing, but also a subsidy for rent, which can be obtained throughout the stay in the country. The amount of compensation may amount to up to 50% of the rent and depends on factors such as the size of the apartment, the number, and age of residents, marital status and the tenant's income.

In France, Ukrainian citizens can benefit from various forms of financial support. Humanitarian aid is provided in the form of food parcels. In addition, they are guaranteed free state medical care and the right to free education in schools, kindergartens, and other educational institutions. Ukrainians have the right to official employment and can learn the language for free.

Switzerland

Ukrainian refugees in this country are immediately resettled to cantons, where they are provided with social housing, food and medical insurance. In addition, they have formal access to the local labor market.

The country provides Ukrainian citizens who arrived as a result of the war with monthly benefits of 1,573.39 francs (1,655 euros) per person.

However, this amount is not transferred directly but to the canton where the refugee obtained asylum. This money is used to cover all expenses related to accommodation and food of Ukrainians. Therefore, funds are only spent on what the cantonal government does not provide to the individual.

In practice, this amount is usually around 350-500 francs (364-520 euros). Given that the person has already paid for housing, medical care and humanitarian products.

United Kingdom

In the UK, Ukrainians are entitled to official employment and medical care for three years, as well as financial assistance, which consists of a one-off payment of £200 (about €230) and monthly payments.

The amount of monthly payments depends on the age of Ukrainians and the number of family members:

• an adult under 25 receives £265.31 (approximately €314);
• an adult over 25 years of age receives £334.91 (approximately €397);
• two adults (under 25) receive 416.45 (approximately 403 euros);
• two adults (if one of them is over 25) receive £525.72 (approximately €623);
• 290 pounds per child (approx. 343 euros).

Czech Republic

For the first six months after arriving in the Czech Republic, Ukrainian migrants receive financial assistance in the amount of 5,000 crowns per person per month, or approximately EUR 205.

After the seventh month, the amount of the benefit changes and people up to 18 years of age receive 3,320 crowns (approx. EUR 136) per month, while people over 18 years of age receive 4,620 crowns (approx. EUR 190) per month.

Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic can receive help with temporary accommodation. There is also the possibility of free medical insurance, but it should be taken into account that its validity is limited to 150 days for adult Ukrainians and up to a year for children.

Moreover, Ukrainians have the right to free admission for their children to schools and kindergartens, as well as to official employment.