Prerequisites
First-time receipt of benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act since February 15, 2024.
If you have already received money under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act before February 15, 2024, you will not receive a SocialCard, even if you live in the initial reception center.
Documents required
No documents are required. The social card is issued after the application for asylum seeker benefits has been completed.
Please note
You can use the Hamburger SocialCard to pay in stationary stores in Germany (for example in supermarkets and other shops or at service providers such as hairdressers, Deutsche Bahn, etc.). A PIN is required to pay with the SocialCard. The PIN is either sent to the customer's smartphone via SMS or can be requested online at http://www.socialcard.de/user/pin.
You cannot use the SocialCard abroad or on the Internet. It also does not work for money transfers or cash services, for purchasing vouchers or for gambling.
You can pay with the SocialCard wherever VISA cards are accepted. Look for the VISA logo in the store or ask!
Each adult (aged 18 and over) can withdraw 50 euros in cash per month.
An additional 10 euros per month can be withdrawn per minor (up to 18 years of age).
Cash can be withdrawn from bank ATMs (fees apply) and in shops (free of charge). Withdrawals from ATMs cost 2 euros per withdrawal. Here you can find an overview of shops where you can withdraw cash for free. To withdraw money in a shop, you usually have to buy goods worth at least 5 to 10 euros.
If you move out of the initial reception centre (and move into subsequent accommodation or, as an exception, are allowed to live privately), there is no cash restriction as long as your credit balance has not been used up.