People seeking refugee status in European countries are generally entitled to food, or money to buy it, plus shelter and medical attention, schooling for their children and access to interpreters and lawyers.
Following are some of the rights and benefits they can claim across the continent, above and beyond that basic package.
AUSTRIA (figures for Vienna)
50 euros/month spending money for those in public housing, plus meals or 5 euros/day allowance to buy food.
In private housing: up to 120 euros per person or 240 euros per family towards rent; 210 euros a month for food and living expenses (100 for children); 150 euros per year for clothes, 200 euros/year for school supplies.
Work permit issued once asylum application is approved.
BELGIUM
Those living in refugee reception centres receive a weekly spending allowance of 7.40 euros per adult. Some can also carry out paid work at the centre, receiving up to 185 euros per month. After six months, people can apply for a work permit.
Work permit issued once asylum application is approved; immediate family members can then also come to Belgium.
DENMARK
Asylum seekers can apply for work.
On approval they get about half the monthly Danish unemployment benefit; can get additional money for passing a Danish language exam. Relatives can’t join them in first year.
FINLAND
Cash grant of 316 euros/month for a single adult and 267 euros for partners and adult children; meals must be paid for. If meals are provided, cash grant is 93 or 76 euros per month.
Must do unpaid community service as step towards integrating or risk losing part of the grant; cannot work elsewhere for first 3-6 months.
Can apply to receive up to 1,000 euros to return home.
On approval: three years’ state-financed housing; full welfare benefits, schooling, day care and child benefit; language lessons and help with finding a job.
FRANCE
Allowance of 11.45 euros a day or 343.50 euros a month while awaiting result of asylum process and applying for housing in one of some 300 asylum-seeker housing projects across France. Must pay for food from this allowance, but free or cheap meals often available from food banks.
Free health insurance while application being reviewed.
Cannot work for first 12 months.
GERMANY
Free meals at reception centres plus 143 euros per month in cash for “basic needs,” rising after three months to maximum of 216 euros. Government has agreed to extend period in reception centres to six months from three to keep cash payments at the lower level for longer. Berlin also wants to switch from cash benefits to payments in kind “as far as possible.”
Up to 92 euros per child, depending on age.
After 15 months, or once asylum request is approved: basic income of around 400 euros/month plus costs for accommodation and heating.