Social Cohesion Assistance for Foreign Citizens in Turkey (ESSN)

What is the Social Cohesion Assistance (ESSN) Program?

The Social Cohesion Assistance program, often called ESSN or SUY, gives cash to help vulnerable families in Turkey. It's meant for people under Temporary or International Protection. This money helps you pay for food, rent, and medicine. The Turkish Red Crescent and the Ministry of Family and Social Services run it together. The European Union provides the funding for this support.

This aid comes through the Kızılaykart, also known as the Red Card. It works just like a normal debit card. You can use it to withdraw cash from ATMs or buy things at shops. It gives families the freedom to choose what they need most while living outside of camps.

Who is Eligible for ESSN in Turkey?

Not every foreign citizen can get this aid. You must meet certain legal and money rules first. You have to register with the Directorate General of Migration Management. Your ID number must start with 99. You also need to live outside of official camps. Make sure your address is in the official MERNIS database.

The program helps those who don't have social security or expensive assets. If anyone in your home has a formal job or a high income, you won't qualify. The goal is to reach those with the greatest financial need.

Specific Vulnerability Criteria for the Red Card

To get the Red Card, your household needs to meet one of six rules:

• Single Females: Only one woman living alone.
• Elderly-Only: Everyone is 60 or older. No one between 18 and 59 lives there.
• Disabled Members: At least one person has a 40% disability or higher. You'll need a report from a state hospital to prove this.
• Many Children: You have four or more kids under the age of 18.
• Single Parents: One adult (18-59) living with at least one child.
• High Dependency: One adult must care for many people. This means at least 1.5 dependents for every able-bodied adult.

How to Apply for Social Cohesion Assistance

Applying for Social Cohesion Assistance is free. You don't have to pay anything to submit your request. Follow these steps to start:

1. Update your address: Go to the Nüfus office or Migration Management. They must have your current home address.
2. Find your local office: Visit the SYDV foundation in your district. In some cities, you can apply at Kızılay centers instead.
3. Bring your papers: You need 99 IDs for everyone in the family. Bring your original health report if someone has a disability.
4. Wait for a visit: Officials might come to your home. They want to check your living situation and your financial status.

Payment Details and Using the Kızılaykart

You'll get an SMS if they approve your application. Then, you can pick up your Kızılaykart at a Halkbank branch. The bank loads money onto the card every month. The amount depends on how many people live in your home. It's a simple way to receive a monthly cash transfer.

Tell the office if your life changes. You have 15 days to report a birth, death, or a new home address. If you don't keep your information updated, they might stop your payments. Always keep your phone number current so you don't miss important messages.

Reasons for Payment Suspension

Sometimes the aid stops. This happens if you get a formal job or your income goes up. Moving to a new city without telling anyone also causes problems. If your kids turn 18, your household might no longer meet the rules. Getting Turkish citizenship or leaving the country will also end your assistance.

Getting Social Cohesion Assistance helps many families stay on their feet. It's a vital resource for those starting over in a new place. Just remember to keep your paperwork current so your Social Cohesion Assistance payments continue without any breaks.

Related Articles

• social support for foreigners
• Turkish social integration courses
• humanitarian residence permit guide

If you need a closer look here, see Related Articles.

If you need a closer look here, see Related Articles.

If you need a closer look here, see Related Articles.