Discriminatory, marginalizing, disempowering – that’s why we reject the payment card:
There are numerous reasons put forward by politicians for the introduction of the payment card. Almost all of them have no basis in fact and are merely right-wing populist propaganda. We question these arguments and show why we reject the payment card.
Payment cards are racist symbolic politics
One of the main arguments in favor of the payment card is the claim that refugees use social benefits to pay escape helpers or send money to their countries of origin. This is to be prevented with the payment card. This debate is patronizing, because no one else is being told how to spend their money. Furthermore, the statement is made up out of thin air, as there is no reliable data on alleged transfers of social benefits abroad. In any case, social benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are so low that they do not even cover the minimum subsistence level.
The payment card is therefore purely symbolic politics – it is intended to solve a problem that does not actually exist. Further information on this can be found in the DeZIM Institute’s statement (p. 6ff).
Payment cards do not change the reasons for flight
Another claim is that Germany is particularly attractive because of its social benefits and that cash payments should be restricted in order to limit migration. A study by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees clearly shows that social benefits are not a decisive reason for fleeing to Germany. Much more important are factors such as security, existing networks of family or friends and economic prospects.
Discriminate against payment cards
Cash withdrawals are limited with the payment card. In most districts, only €50 per adult per month can be withdrawn. If there is a greater need, this must be applied for and examined by the social welfare offices on a complex and individual basis. But many everyday things – such as shopping at the weekly market, the food bank, the kiosk, public toilets or pocket money for school trips – require cash. This makes it unnecessarily difficult for people with a payment card to live independently and restricts their participation in society.
Payment cards restrict freedom of movement
In some places, the payment card can only be used to make purchases in the district of residence; it does not work beyond that. This function of the card is aimed at specifically limiting the mobility and self-determination of those affected. The regulation effectively leads to an indirect extension of the residence obligation, i.e. the legal requirement to only stay in a certain area. According to the law, the residency requirement may only apply for a maximum of three months. Irrespective of this, it should be abolished in principle.
The payment card from Brandenburg can currently be used to pay throughout Germany.
Check and monitor payment cards
Every transfer with the payment card must first be approved by the social welfare office. Transfers abroad and to non-approved payees are not possible. In addition, certain stores can be blocked for the payment card. In Brandenburg, for example, the payment card may not be used for gambling. Controlling what people can and cannot buy disempowers them and reveals existing racist prejudices. Restricting which stores or activities can be used with the payment card is an encroachment on personal freedom.
Payment cards are cumbersome and expensive
The payment card is intended to reduce the administrative burden on local authorities, but many districts are already efficiently transferring or remitting the benefits due to bank accounts. This is because every person has a right to a basic account. The card causes additional work, for example through complicated transfer approvals, and raises data protection issues. Instead of easing the burden on local authorities, this results in additional work and unclear costs, while the card providers are the main beneficiaries.
For these reasons, among others, the payment card restricts everyday life. It is stigmatizing, discriminatory and also constitutionally questionable to say the least. We call on you to show solidarity with people with payment cards and fight together against this discriminatory practice!