In this episode we talk about the changes in the law, the new right to an allowance for asylum seekers living on their own. What this allowance looks like, when it is granted and what package of documents is required?
Our guest Uladzimir Shantsau also tells us about his experience of transferring his pension from Belarus to Lithuania, the problems he encountered and whether a refugee should bother with this procedure at all.
The first topic is new opportunities to get food aid for asylum seekers who don’t live in camps. What kind of help is it, where to go and how to get it?
On 1 January 2025, an amendment to the “Law on the Legal Status of the Foreigner” came into force, affecting Article 71 “On the Rights and Obligations of Asylum Seekers”.
This means that now not only those who live “in a camp”, but also those who have exercised the right to live independently, will be entitled to a food allowance equal to 60% of the state-supported income (Valstybės remiamų pajamos or VRP). At the beginning of 2025 it is equal to €221. At the same time, the allowance is granted only if no food is provided.
A similar amendment has been made to the third part of Article 71, which refers to monthly financial assistance. However, the amount is lower — only 10% of the VRP, i.e. around 20 euros. This allowance is granted from the day the application is submitted. To receive this allowance, you must contact the Reception and Integration Agency. You should also submit a free-form application for this allowance to the Agency.
Here is the link to download the application form: in docx format and in pdf format. If you do not have the software to open these files, click here (the application will open in your browser).
The application must also be accompanied by documents proving that you are entitled to the allowance, i.e. that you are an asylum seeker. To do this, you will need:
- Certificate of alien registration.
- Decision to accept your asylum application.
- Decision to allow you to reside in a place of your choice.
The signed application and attachments can be sent to the Agency’s e-mail address: info@piia.lt
Please note that this information is theoretical, we have not yet tested it in practice. If any pitfalls are discovered, we will add more information.
Updated: documents have been accepted and money transfer is awaited now.
Is it possible to receive Belarusian pension while being in Lithuania? The answer is YES, but the process is quite complicated and requires patience. Our guest, Uladzimir Shantsau, shared his experience.
After receiving refugee status, he and his wife applied to Sodra. The process took almost a year: the application was submitted in a free form, but Belarus refused to consider it without the Lithuanian address. This is a matter of concern for the refugees, as it affects their safety, but Uladzimir and his wife decided to provide the address. After 11 months, the problem was solved.
The current agreement between Lithuania and Belarus allows for the transfer of pensions. In addition, it is theoretically possible to increase it with additional years of service in Lithuania, but this takes time and there is no experience of this so far. At the moment, the amount is small — about €250, which is not enough to cover basic expenses.
Non-governmental organisations also helped in the process: Red Cross curators communicated with Sodra. Lithuanian officials also explained the nuances of the process. In order to apply, you must have a temporary or permanent residence permit and a pension already earned in Belarus.
Compared to Lithuania, the process in Poland is complicated by the requirement of documents that are inaccessible to refugees. But even there, appeals have been filed to remove such barriers.
Uladzimir is ready to help other pensioners who want to follow the same path. He can be contacted by phone on +370 635 34597. If there is a problem, he can personally accompany you to Sodra and explain the situation.
If you want to contact us but are afraid to use comments, you can send us an e-mail. After that it will be enough to delete your letter from the “Sent” folder.
Our e-mail address is: help@belarus.fm
