Payments to refugees from Ukraine in France: what is planned for 2026

After the start of the war in Ukraine, many people were forced to leave the country and seek temporary protection in other countries, including France. The country offers comprehensive support, including legal residence, social integration, and access to basic services. Knowing your legal status and the conditions for receiving payments allows you to plan your life effectively, meet your basic needs, and take advantage of social assistance during your temporary stay in France.

Who is considered a refugee in France

A refugee in France is a person who, due to a threat to their life, persecution on political, religious, or national grounds, armed conflict, or serious human rights violations, has been forced to leave their country. Such a person has the right to protection and legal residence in France in accordance with national legislation and international norms, including the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees and EU directives on temporary protection.

Obtaining refugee status entitles you to residence, medical and social services, financial benefits, and the opportunity to work officially. To apply for refugee status, you must submit an application to the prefecture where you are staying, obtain a certificate and supporting documents confirming your right to social benefits and services in the country. This process ensures temporary legal residence in the country and the provision of all necessary resources for a safe and stable life.

What types of assistance are available to Ukrainians

After obtaining refugee status, Ukrainians in France can count on various types of social and financial support:

• Financial assistance through the ADA (Allocation de Demandeur d’Asile) card – monthly payments to cover basic living expenses such as food, transportation, and household needs.
• Housing support – subsidies or compensation for those temporarily residing in France, helping to ensure safe housing.
• Health insurance – access to public health services, including primary care and necessary treatment.
• Social services for families with children – financial support, counseling, and access to kindergartens and schools.
• Psychological and legal support – assistance in resolving everyday, legal, and emotional issues, adapting to new living conditions.
• Integration programs – language courses, job search training, and support in developing the skills necessary for life in France.

The combination of these programs provides Ukrainians with security and facilitates faster adaptation to new conditions.

Payment amounts in France

The amount of financial payments depends on the composition of the family and the conditions of assistance. The basic daily amount is approximately €6.80 per person. For a family of two, this is about €10 per day, for three – €14, for four – €17, for five – about €20. If free accommodation is not provided, refugees can receive an additional payment of approximately €7 per day to cover living expenses. In total, this amounts to approximately €400 per month per person under standard conditions.

These payments, known as ADA, are credited to a personal card that can be used to pay for purchases in France (but not to withdraw cash) and are paid monthly according to family composition.

How long is the assistance paid

Financial support in France is provided for as long as temporary protection is in effect, which is usually granted for 6 months with the right to extend. If you have documents confirming the extension of your status, payments will continue to be made automatically at the beginning of each month. If temporary protection is not extended, payments will cease after the permit expires. In addition, in order to retain the right to assistance, it is necessary to regularly update documents confirming your place of residence, as the absence of a current address or status may lead to the suspension of payments.

In which cases can payments be suspended

Payments may be suspended or canceled in the following cases:

• The refugee no longer meets the conditions for temporary protection, losing the right to financial support.
• Income or savings exceed the limits set for receiving social benefits.
• The temporary protection permit is not renewed on time or the status is changed to another type of permit without a confirmed right to social support.
• Changes in legislation or the political situation that affect the conditions for providing assistance.

This list helps to understand in which cases refugees may lose their benefits and what to look out for in order to retain the right to receive assistance.

Is it possible to work and receive benefits

Yes, persons with temporary protection status have the right to work without the need for additional permission. This status allows them to be officially employed on an equal footing with citizens of the country, which opens the way to working in France and receiving a stable income. Getting a job does not automatically cancel the right to financial assistance, but it can affect the amount of social benefits: in the case of significant income, benefits may be reduced or suspended according to the rules for assessing income.

Employment also gives you additional social and tax rights, including access to pension programs and insurance, which enhances your social integration into the country’s society.

France provides Ukrainians with the necessary support during their stay in the country, allowing them to feel protected and confidently plan their daily lives. Proper documentation and knowledge of your rights make it easy to access financial and social assistance, as well as take the first steps towards adapting to a new environment.