This FAQ article answers the most common questions about the IOM winter cash assistance for 2025. It clarifies eligibility, payment procedures, timelines, and what recipients should do if they need help. The programme is limited to households previously registered with UNHCR and does not include new registrations.

The programme has officially concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Purpose of IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia (2025)

The IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs 2025 is a one-time emergency cash transfer provided in Slovakia to help Ukrainian families cover essential winter expenses.

It is targeted ONLY at the most vulnerable individuals and households who:

• are aged 60+ who have medical condition or specific needs, AND
• Were already eligible and received payments under the UNHCR Cash Assistance for Refugees with Vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024, and in 2025, AND
• Whose presence and status in Slovakia has been confirmed.

What kind of expenses does Cash Assistance for Winter Needs aim to cover?

IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025 aims to cover various needs with a one-time emergency cash transfer for winter expenses in 2025, such as blankets, winter clothes and shoes, food, utilities, and other winter-related needs. Recipients of cash are free to make spending choices depending on their unique needs.

Why provide cash assistance rather than supplies and equipment?

There is growing recognition that cash transfers provide refugee families with more freedom of choice in meeting their own needs, in a way that maintains their human dignity. Refugees are the best experts in their own situation; nobody else has a better understanding of what they need. In contrast to the distribution of supplies shipped in from outside, cash transfers enable refugee families to buy products from local suppliers and to support the local economy. This contributes to bringing refugee families into contact with their host communities, which can help overcome a sense of exclusion and isolation at a difficult time.

© International Organization for Migration 2025 /  Muse Mohammed

Eligibility

Who will be eligible for IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025?

IOM will prioritize households with individuals aged 60+ who have medical condition or specific needs. ONLY selected previously registered households who were eligible for UNHCR Cash Assistance for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024 and 2025, and whose presence and status in the country was confirmed by IOM, will receive the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025.

I recently arrived in Slovakia and have not yet registered to receive cash assistance. Do I need to apply for IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025?

IOM or UNHCR are NOT registering new arrivals OR new individuals under the Cash Assistance for Winter Needs 2025. IOM will prioritize households with individuals aged 60+ who have medical condition or specific needs. ONLY selected previously registered households who were eligible for UNHCR Cash Assistance for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024 and 2025, and whose presence and status in the country was confirmed by IOM, will receive the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025.

Eligible households do not need to approach any assistance or integration center where IOM, UNHCR or partners have presence.  Based on IOM’s budget availability, eligible households will receive Cash Assistance for winter needs.

If you have questions, please call IOM Hotline at 0800 500 109 from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00

Please keep on following official IOM Slovakia Telegram channel.

When should I apply for IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025?

There is no application and registration process in place. IOM or UNHCR are NOT registering new arrivals OR new individuals under the Cash Assistance for Winter Needs 2025. IOM will prioritize households with individuals aged 60+ who have medical conditions or specific needs. ONLY selected previously registered households who were eligible for UNHCR Cash Assistance for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024 and 2025, and whose presence in the country was confirmed by IOM, will receive the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025.

Eligible households do not need to approach any assistance or integration center where IOM, UNHCR or partners have presence.  Based on IOM’s budget availability, eligible households will receive Cash Assistance for winter needs.

If you have questions, please call IOM Hotline at 0800 500 109 from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00

Please keep on following official IOM Slovakia Telegram channel..

I am a registered individual and was eligible for UNHCR Cash for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia in 2024-2025. Do I need to register for IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in 2025?

IOM and UNHCR are not registering new arrivals OR new individuals under the Cash Assistance for Winter Needs 2025. IOM will prioritize households with individuals aged 60+ who have medical conditions or specific needs. ONLY selected previously registered households who were eligible for UNHCR Cash Assistance for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024 and 2025, and whose presence and status in the country was confirmed by IOM, will receive the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025.

Eligible households do not need to approach any assistance or integration center where IOM, UNHCR or partners have presence.  Based on IOM’s budget availability, eligible households will receive Cash Assistance for winter needs.

If you have questions, please call IOM Hotline at 0800 500 109 from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00

I am a registered individual and was eligible for UNHCR Cash for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia in 2024-2025. Will I also be informed by SMS about the payments to be made to me?

IOM will prioritize households with individuals aged 60+ who have medical conditions or specific needs.  ONLY selected previously registered households who were eligible for UNHCR Cash Assistance for refugees with vulnerabilities in Slovakia 2024 and 2025, and whose presence and status in the country was confirmed by IOM, will receive the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025.

 Eligible households do not need to approach any assistance or integration center where IOM, UNHCR or partners have presence.  Based on IOM’s budget availability, eligible households will receive Cash Assistance for winter needs.

If you have questions, please call IOM Hotline at 0800 500 109 from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00

Youi will receive an SMS once the payment for the IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025 is processed. If you experience any issues, please contact the IOM Hotline 0800 500 109, from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00.

Can I enroll a newborn?

IOM are UNHCR are not registering new arrivals OR new individuals under the Cash Assistance for Winter Needs 2025.

© International Organization for Migration 2025 /  Muse Mohammed

Receiving the Cash Assistance

How much is the cash assistance for ΙΟΜ Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025?

The amounts of IOM Cash Assistance for Winter Needs in Slovakia 2025 will be 150 EUR per one individual, with a maximum of 400 EUR per family.

Do I need my own mobile number to receive cash from IOM?

If eligible, yes. Each household eligible for assistance needs a unique phone number to receive information on the cash assistance to be provided by IOM. If you are a household of 1 individual, you need to provide only one phone number. You may not use someone else’s phone number as information on how to access your cash assistance will be sent to this phone.  At this time, IOM and UNHCR are NOT updating or changing phone details.

I have changed my phone number, can I update it?

No, you cannot update your phone number.  At this time, IOM and UNHCR are NOT updating or changing phone details.

When will I receive the cash?

Payment for winter needs will be processed in December 2025. The specific payment date is communicated by SMS to each eligible household.

Once the payment is processed you will receive an SMS with the relevant information. Please note that if you have any issues with your payment you need to report it to IOM Hotline 0800 500 109, from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00, immediately, and within a maximum of 5 working days after the planned payment.

How will I receive the cash assistance from IOM?

Through your Slovak bank account (IBAN) under your name as the IBAN custodian, you previously provided to UNHCR.

At this time, IOM and UNHCR are NOT updating or changing bank account details.

 Please keep on following official IOM Slovakia Telegram channel. 

What should I do if I do not receive the cash through my Slovak bank account (IBAN)?

Once the payment is processed you will receive an SMS with the relevant information. Please note that if you have any issues with your payment you need to report it to IOM Hotline 0800 500 109, from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00, immediately, and within a maximum of 5 working days after the planned payment.

What happens if I provided a wrong Slovak bank account (IBAN) number, or if I closed my bank account after I registered with UNHCR in past?

• If your Slovak bank account (IBAN) is incorrect or has been closed, it will not be possible to send you the cash assistance.
• At this time, IOM and UNHCR are not updating or changing bank account details.
• This means you will not be able to receive cash assistance if the payment cannot be processed to the account you previously provided.
• Please keep on following official IOM Slovakia Telegram channel.

Who should I contact if I have any issues related to the payment of the cash assistance?

If you are facing any issues, please contact the IOM Hotline 0800 500 109, from Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00, immediately, and within a maximum of 5 working days after the planned payment. Please note: The Hotline is for information only and cannot be used to register for the programme.

Important Fraud Awareness

To protect yourself:

• IOM never asks for money, passwords, or payments.
• IOM staff will not request any specific financial information.
• If in doubt, verify any communication through the official IOM Hotline.
• Do not share personal data with unknown callers.

The programme has officially concluded.