How to use the Asylum Seeker Allowance card (ADA card)?
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During the appointment at the one-stop shop for asylum seekers (GUDA), the Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) may offer material reception conditions, which include a financial allowance and, where applicable, accommodation.
What is an Ada card?
The Asylum Seeker’s Allowance (ADA) is a subsistence allowance paid by the French Office of Immigration and Integration (OFII) to:
- Asylum seekers eligible for material reception conditions;
- Persons holding a provisional residence permit as beneficiaries of temporary protection;
- Persons holding a temporary residence permit as victims of human trafficking.
It is normally paid onto a payment card, known as an Ada card, issued by the OFII.
Payment is made once a month.
The amount of the allowance varies according to income, household composition and accommodation conditions.
The daily flat-rate allowance per person is €6.80. An additional €3.40 per day is added for each additional person in the family.
An additional €7.40 per day is granted to adults in need of accommodation.
In French Guiana, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy, the daily allowance per person is €3.80. An additional €3.40 per day is added for each additional person in the family. An additional €4.70 per day is granted to adults in need of accommodation.
Who is eligible for an Ada card?
You may be issued with an Ada card if:
- You have lodged an asylum application and are eligible for material reception conditions;
- You hold a provisional residence permit as a beneficiary of temporary protection;
- You hold a temporary residence permit as a victim of human trafficking.
If you hold a residence permit issued to you as a victim of human trafficking, please contact your nearest OFII regional office to find out about your rights.
The ADA card is personal
Its use is strictly restricted to members of your household. Under no circumstances should you lend it to anyone else.
How do I use the Ada card?
If you are eligible for the ADA, an OFII officer will give you an ADA card.
You will be given two sealed envelopes:
- One contains the ADA card;
- The other contains your PIN. You will need this PIN to make every payment. Memorise it. Do not write it down or keep it with the card.
Please note: if you enter an incorrect code three times, the card will be permanently blocked. You can retrieve your PIN using the Up Cohésia app.
Your card will not work straight away. The first payment from Ada will be made 30 to 45 days after you receive the card.
You will receive a text message informing you that your card has been activated. Do not use it before then, otherwise it will be blocked.
You can use your card in France at any retailer with an electronic payment terminal (EPT).
Please note:
- No contactless payments
- No cash withdrawals
- No in-store refunds.
You can use your card as often as you like during the month, subject to the available balance. There is no limit on the number of payments.
To check your card balance, you can:
- Call the Up Cohésia voice server on 05 32 09 10 10 (free service + cost of a call);
- Download the Up Cohésia app, which also allows you to:
- view your payments;
- track your spending.
With the card, you can make online payments only to SNCF, social housing providers, and energy suppliers.
How do I use the UpCohésia app?
The UpCohésia app allows you to track your benefit payments and spending.
Creating an Account
Download the UpCohésia app. Enter the 13 digits from the barcode on the back of your card. Enter your foreign national number and your phone number. Enter the activation code received by SMS and click "Create my account".
Viewing Your PIN Code
Go to the "Transactions" page. Click "Options", then "Show my PIN code". You will receive a security code by SMS. Enter it in the designated field. The code is valid for 5 minutes. If you do not receive it, click "I haven't received anything, send a new SMS".
Blocking Your Card if It Is Lost or Stolen
Go to Settings and click "Card options", then "Block my card". Contact your OFII territorial office to request a new card.
Please note: a second lost card may result in a longer replacement time.
What should you do if there is a problem?
If you have lost your PIN
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can retrieve it using the Up Cohésia app.
If your card no longer works, it may have been blocked. In this case, please contact the Up Cohésia voice server on 05 32 09 10 10 (free service + cost of a call).
If your card is lost or stolen
You must report it lost or stolen immediately to block the card and prevent any fraudulent use.
To do this, you can:
- Call the Up Cohésia voice server on 05 32 09 10 10 (free service + cost of a call);
- Use the Up Cohésia app.
In the event of the card being blocked, lost or stolen, you must also notify your local OFII office. They will arrange an appointment to issue you with a new card.
The card remains the property of the issuer and must be returned if the OFII asks you to do so.
To go further
Ofii
Prefecture
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