Updates
- UNHCR and WFP have finalized the retargeting and selection process for families eligible for the assistance cycle starting November 2025 to April 2026, with possibility of extension depending on funding availability.
- With the 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 have selected beneficiaries through a mathematical formula assessing the level of poverty and vulnerability of refugee families according to the most recent data available to UNHCR on the socio-economic situation of refugee families.
- Announcements of the targeting results were sent out on October 31, 2025.
- The Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) that typically facilitate targeting appeal processes will not be available during this retargeting cycle, because 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- I was not selected to receive cash assistance; how can I request to be included in cash assistance? ๐๐ผ
Contrary to the practice in previous years, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) that facilitates targeting appeal processes will not be available for the new assistance cycle.
This is because UNHCR and WFP are using all available funds to select the highest possible number of families for inclusion into the new assistance cycle.
If additional funding becomes available, more refugee families will be considered and included for cash assistance.
2- Who is eligible for cash assistance and how does WFP select who receives cash assistance? ๐๐ผ
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker known to UNHCR, you are eligible for consideration for cash assistance. WFP and UNHCR work together to select the most vulnerable families for assistance.
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? ๐๐ผ
To receive cash assistance, you will need to receive a red bank card and a PIN code issued by Banque Libano-Franรงaise (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 (See No.2 on card validation in Question 5).
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 payement machine, including any WFP contracted shops.
4- For how long does WFP provide assistance? ๐๐ผ
The new cash assistance cycle will start in November 2025. However, current available funding can only support selected families for a 6-month period, from November 2025 to April 2026.
If additional funds become available in coming weeks and months, the duration of assistance and selection of beneficiaries will be revised and affected refugee families will be informed accordingly.
5- What are my responsibilities in order to receive/continue receiving assistance? ๐๐ผ
If you are selected to receive assistance, make sure to:
Maintain a valid UNHCR certificate (UN paper) or barcode in Lebanon and request a renewal appointment before the expiry date of your UN certificate
Conduct and successfully pass card physical validation four times a year
Contact the UNHCR National Call Center at 04726111 to report any update in your personal information
Keep the Red Card safe and report any instances of loss/theft
Withdraw assistance within 1 month of receiving an SMS from WFP
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
โ ๏ธATTENTIONโ ๏ธ
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? ๐๐ผ
In November 2025, WFP will continue with the validation cycle for the year. Beneficiaries will receive SMSs informing them about the date and place of validation.
You must complete the biometric validation at the 102 different Liban Post or Cash United locations as specified in the SMS. This activity is free of charge.
7- How to report issues related to cash assistance? ๐๐ผ
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? ๐๐ผ
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 WPFโs Call Center at 1526
โ Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at an ATM
โ Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at BOB Finance
โ Click here to read more on withdrawing your cash assistance at WFP contracted shops