Instead of previously distributed packages of long-lasting food products and hygiene products, people who are struggling are now receiving social cards. It is planned that by the end of March, about 170 thousand. needy people will receive cash transfers to the social cards of their chosen retail chain. With the funds received, they will be able to purchase the necessary food products and other essential consumer goods themselves. In 2024, in order not to lose them, social card holders must use the funds received on social cards by March 14 of this year (inclusive).
Funds are transferred to social cards 4 times a year - in the middle of March, June, September and December. Funds can be used from the moment they are received until March 14 of the following calendar year. inclusive.
What's new?
All persons whose applications for the Material Deprivation Reduction Program support in social cards will be satisfied by February 28 (inclusive) are included in the lists of beneficiaries for the first quarter of 2025.
Who is entitled to receive social card support?
The only criterion for individuals to receive support is their average monthly income, which cannot exceed 331,50 euros per month per person, except in cases where possible higher amounts are determined by municipal administrations.
How much money will be transferred to the social card?
The amounts of transfers remain the same as in 2024, i.e. 25 euros per person per quarter. The number of people living in a household corresponds to the amount of funds received by all persons living in it.
Which retail chain to choose?
A person who will receive support for a social card for the first time can choose one of the possible retail chains with which cooperation agreements on social cards have been signed. The exact retail chains that cooperate in specific municipalities on the implementation of the social card project can be found at https://priimk.lt/gyventojams.
If a person was also a beneficiary of support in 2024, he or she has the right to either keep the social card of the already issued retail network, or choose a new retail network in 2025 and receive a social card issued by the new network.
Until when can funds received in 2025 be spent?
The person must use all funds received during 2025 by March 2026, 14 (inclusive).
Can social card holders also receive food donations?
In 46 municipalities, the charity and support fund "Food bank" has created an opportunity for people with a social card to receive a food donation (expiring, last-day or long-lasting food products) once a quarter. The product basket consists of products available at the food distribution center at that time, which the recipient chooses free of charge.
How to get a social card and food donation?
An application must be filled out at the local municipality, eldership or through the Social Support for Families Information System www.spis.lt. The application must be accompanied by a consent to receive a food donation, if such an opportunity exists in the relevant municipality.
Will social card holders lose the funds received in 2024?
All persons who were beneficiaries in 2024and received funds to social cards during the specified year, must use them by March 2025, 14 (inclusive) to avoid losing them.