Updates
UNHCR and WFP have finalized the retargeting and selection process for families eligible for the upcoming assistance cycle starting June 2026 to August 2026. Families that are considered economically vulnerable based on the retargeting, whether or not selected to receive assistance, will remain eligible to be considered for assistance in this period.
With available funding, WFP and UNHCR have prioritized the most vulnerable refugee families to receive monthly cash for food and basic needs assistance.
UNHCR and WFP prioritized families that are socio-economically vulnerable, living in areas most affected by the recent conflict, and/or facing high protection risks. To that purpose, UNHCR and WFP also used a mathematical formula that reviews the latest available information about refugee households’ economic situation and vulnerability levels to identify families for assistance.
Announcements of the targeting results were sent out on June 18, 2026.
In light of the short cycle duration and since the number of vulnerable families significantly exceed the resources available for this programme, a standalone Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) that typically facilitates appeal processes will not be available for this targeting cycle. UNHCR and WFP are using all available funds to select the highest possible number of families for inclusion into the new assistance cycle from the start.
Should more funds become available in the future, additional families will be considered for assistance based on their vulnerability status, in line with the abovementioned targeting methodology.
1- Can I be reconsidered if I was not selected for the next assistance cycle? 👇🏼
Contrary to the practice in previous years, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) that facilitated targeting appeal processes will not be available for this retargeting cycle.
This is because UNHCR and WFP have used the available budget to select the highest possible number of families for inclusion into the new assistance cycle.
However, household circumstances are periodically reassessed, and eligibility for assistance may change over time based on updated vulnerability criteria and the availability of funding.
2- Who is eligible for cash assistance and how does UNHCR and WFP identify and select families for assistance? 👇🏼
If you are a refugee or asylum-seeking family known to UNHCR, you are considered for the current cash assistance cycle Socio-economic vulnerability of families will be assessed at least once a year by UNHCR based on information collected at the reception center.
Based on information collected at the reception center, UNHCR assesses your socio-economic vulnerability. The most vulnerable families are eligible for monthly cash assistance and reassessed every year at the end of the annual cash assistance cycle.
If you are selected for assistance WFP will inform you by SMS. Cash assistance is provided without discrimination.
3- How will I receive the cash assistance? 👇🏼
To receive cash assistance, you will need to receive a red bank card and a PIN code issued by Banque Libano-Française (BLF). These are distributed by WFP partners to families selected to receive cash assistance. If you do not yet have a card, WFP will contact you to provide one to you. Also, you will be asked on a regular basis to have your card validated.
When the cash assistance is available in your account, WFP will inform you by SMS. You can withdraw assistance at BLF ATMs and selected BoB Finance branches up to 1 month after receiving the SMS. To find the nearest redemption points, visit the WFP Lebanon Redeem website. You can also use it to buy goods at local markets and shops equipped with a payment machine, including any WFP contracted shops.
4- For how long does WFP provide assistance? 👇🏼
The new assistance cycle will start in June 2026 until August 2026, for the duration of 3 months.
If additional funds become available, UNHCR and WFP could extend the assistance cycle duration, and families will be informed accordingly.
To continue receiving assistance, families must comply with certain rules and requirements, such as completing the presence verification with UNHCR, regularly attending the validation exercise and redeeming their assistance within one month from the disbursement date.
5- What are my responsibilities in order to receive/continue receiving assistance? 👇🏼
If you are selected to receive assistance, make sure to:
Inform UNHCR about any changes to your personal information including changes to phone numbers, address in Lebanon, changes in your family composition including births, marriages, deaths or departures of any family members from Lebanon, medical situation.
Complete the presence verification through MyUnhcr portal when invited.
Successfully pass the validation exercise with UNHCR.
Complete the self-validation with WFP within a week from when you receive your invitation. Families who do not complete their validation at the appointed time may have their assistance suspended in the next month.
Ensure that your assistance is redeemed within 1 month of the assistance upload to the Red Card.
Have a valid UNHCR certificate (UN paper) or barcode in Lebanon, renewable every 2 years.
Keep the Red Card safe and report any instances of loss/theft to the WFP call center on 1526.
Refrain from engaging in acts of fraud or misuse of assistance, including:
Selling your Red Card
Giving the Red Card to another family or person, unless you have given your consent that to this person to help you redeem your assistance
Preventing other family members from benefitting from the assistance
Not providing accurate or true information about your family or situation when updating your file at the UNHCR Reception Centre
⚠️ATTENTION⚠️
It is your responsibility to inform UNHCR of a change in your phone number or family circumstances, including births, deaths, or departure of any family members from Lebanon. You can do so by calling the UNHCR National Call Center at 04726111. Not complying with these guidelines may lead to discontinuation from cash assistance.
6- I received an SMS from WFP inviting me to validate my Red Card. Where can I validate? 👇🏼
WFP invites assisted families to validate their cards on quarterly basis. For this 3-month cycle, WFP will invite families to complete validation once.
You must complete the biometric card validation at different Liban Post or Cash United locations as specified in the SMS within 1 week after receiving the invitation. If you do not complete your validation at the appointed time, you may have your assistance for the next month suspended. This activity is free of charge.
7- How to report issues related to cash assistance? 👇🏼
For inquiries or concern related to cash assistance provided by WFP, please call the WFP Call Center at 1526
To report urgent issues with your Red Card, please contact BLF at 01242477 or 03242477
8- Do I need to pay a fee to anyone to receive cash assistance? 👇🏼
No. You do not have to pay any fee at any point. If you are requested to pay a fee at any point (such as at a validation center ATM, or BOB Finance), do not pay and please call WPF’s Call Center at 1526
✅Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at an ATM
✅Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at BOB Finance
✅Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at WFP contracted shops