Svetlana (38) packed her "whole life" into a small suitcase and set off for the Moldovan border. Just herself and the baby.
"I didn't know what was going to happen to me, what was waiting for us, who was going to host us... I knew absolutely nobody in Moldova. At customs, a man and a woman approached us and asked if we had anywhere to go. Obviously we didn't. And then they offered to help me. They told me they had a small house available in a village. They put us up in the neighbouring house, fed us and brought us the most necessary things. Every time they sat down for a meal, they invited us too.
We have lived in this house for more than a year and a half. And we have become very accustomed to the people, the house, our new life. We don't even think about leaving this new "home" to go somewhere else.
I am on maternity leave and live 30 minutes from Comrat. I receive various forms of help, both material and financial. Our free time is coloured by various activities for adults and children organised by civic associations. Thank you to everyone who has given us this chance for a normal life."
Svetlana is one of thousands of people forced to flee the war.
The fact that she ended up being hosted by a wonderful family who gave her a roof over her head, and also obtained temporary protection automatically allowed her to apply for the financial assistance program, as well as to benefit from various actions of associations in the area.
Financial aid for Ukrainian refugees!
The outbreak of war in the neighbouring country set the financial assistance programme in motion.
It is part of the policy work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through its partners - Catholic Relief Services (CRS), together with Caritas Moldova and Diaconia and works in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
Who are eligible?
These are Ukrainian citizens or residents of Ukraine of another nationality who entered the territory of the Republic of Moldova as of 24 February 2022. All types of families can be included in this list: single parent, headed by a child (under 18 years old), with an unaccompanied or separated child, headed by an elderly person (over 60 years old), with one or more persons with special needs, including, a person with a disability, persons with a serious medical condition, pregnant woman, woman at risk, person with legal and physical protection needs, LGBTI person.
How can you access this financial aid?
The registration centre is where refugees can turn for help. There are several registration centres in Moldova - Chisinau, Dondușeni, Bălți, Ungheni, Orhei, Căușeni, Cahul. All of them operate from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 17:00. Registration is by appointment only.
For people with disabilities or medical conditions, there is a helpline on 0 800 10823 where they can call. Personal details and a contact number are required in order to be enrolled in the financial assistance programme. In order to receive this help, all family members must go for the appointment with all available identification documents. Identity details, fingerprints and photographs will be taken from all family members and will be issued with a bank card and Proof of Enrolment. This is not a legal document and has nothing to do with refugee status.
For people with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions who are unable to travel to an enrolment centre, please call the Financial Support Line: 0 800 10823.
What is the amount and how to benefit from it?
Each eligible refugee is entitled to 2,200 MDL/month. The support is renewed for refugees remaining in the country. Thus, each family will receive a MAIB card, valid only on the territory of Moldova. The card can be used free of charge for shopping in all shops, including cash withdrawals at ATMs. Additional cash payments will be transferred to the card, so the card and PIN must be kept safe.
If you would like an appointment to get the grant from the state, go to this link -
https://enketo.unhcr.org/single/tgfckBZ0
