The Government of Andalusia has implemented a measure of social support to help families in vulnerable situations meet their basic needs. This initiative, managed through wallet cardsprovides financial assistance of up to 220 euros monthly. However, this program, financed to the tune of 18.9 million euros, will end on December 31, 2024although beneficiaries will be able to use the cards until March 2025, provided they have an available balance.
What are wallet cards?
Wallet cards are an instrument designed so that families at risk can buy food and essentials in previously selected supermarket chains. This program is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Family and Equality, in collaboration with provincial councils, the Spanish Red Cross and various local entities. In total, the aid reached the municipalities with more than 20,000 inhabitants and 95 local entities throughout Andalusia.
The distribution of the cards is carried out by the Red Cross, which is responsible for giving them to families once the requests have been approved by the organizations concerned. These cards They are rechargeable and their balancing varies depending on the size of the family unit: 130 euros for families of two people, 160 euros for three members, 190 euros for four people and a maximum of 220 euros for households of five members or more.
Conditions required to access this help
Not all families are eligible for this assistance. To access the program, it is essential to respect a series of requirements established by the Junta de Andalucía:
-
Have minors in charge. Applicant families must demonstrate that they are responsible for at least one minor.
-
Limited income. Household income cannot exceed 40% of average income.
-
Situation of extreme vulnerability. It must be proven that the family is going through a serious socio-economic situation.
In addition, candidates must reside in Andalusia and present the documentation necessary in the social services of your locality. This organization will assess the economic situation of the family and decide whether it is appropriate to grant the card. If approved, beneficiaries must go to Red Cross centers to collect it.
Operation and recharging of the card
Wallet cards have a limited balance that can be recharged on a quarterly basis. This procedure ensures that families have the necessary funds to make the purchase until the balance is exhausted or until March 31, 2025. However, it is important to emphasize that the last recharges must be done before the end of 2024.
The total amount allocated to each family unit is calculated by multiplying the corresponding monthly amount by the number of months from the approval of the aid until December 2024.
Families who cannot access this program have other alternativessuch as the support offered by the social services of the autonomous communities or food banks, which also provide assistance to cover basic needs.
Program impact
This initiative represents an important relief for thousands of Andalusian families facing economic difficulties, especially in a context of increasing costs of food and essential products. With this aid, the Andalusian government seeks to guarantee greater food security and contribute to improving the quality of life of the most disadvantaged groups.
Even though the aid will end at the end of 2024, this type of measure underlines the importance of public policies aimed at protecting people in vulnerable situations. However, this also poses the challenge of searching more sustainable and long-term solutions to fight against poverty and social exclusion in Andalusia.
