A refugee is an individual who is fleeing their country of origin because of persecution or threat of persecution based on race, religion, ethnicity, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will designate a person as a refugee. Refugees include, but are not limited to:
Cuban/Haitian Entrants.
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors.
Amerasian Refugees.
The Refugee Assistance Program provides 100% federal reimbursement for cash assistance, medical assistance and social services provided to eligible refugees. Refugee Assistance is available for 8 months beginning with the individual's date of entry into the United States (US) as a refugee. Refugee Assistance includes the following benefits:
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). See Section 730.4.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA). See Section 730.5.
NOTE: A refugee who is a dependent of a repatriated national may not receive RCA or RMA during the 90 days for which Repatriated Nationals Assistance is available. See Chapter 750, Repatriated Nationals Assistance.
The CAO will determine eligibility for RCA or RMA only if the refugee does not meet the requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits, or Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medical Assistance (MA), TANF, and SSI related Non-Money payment (NMP) and Medically Needy Only (MNO) MA
The Refugee Assistance Program does not include reimbursement for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, a refugee may receive SNAP benefits if the individual meets all eligibility requirements. The CAO will apply the policy and procedures contained in the SNAP Handbook.
At the end of RCA or RMA time eligibility, the refugee may receive cash and medical assistance based on the same requirements and procedures applied to any other client.
For 30 days following the refugee's date of entry, a voluntary resettlement agency (VOLAG) will provide social services and financial and in-kind assistance to help the refugee adjust to life in the US and become self-supporting. The VOLAG may use a sponsoring agency to assist with resettlement. The sponsoring agency may be an individual, a church, a civic organization, or other local group or organization.
NOTE: The VOLAG may provide cash and in-kind assistance to certain selected employable refugees for up to 120 days following the refugee's date of entry. These individuals are chosen by the VOLAG and are referred to as "match grant" refugees. The VOLAG or designated employment service provider may provide employment and other social services for up to 24 months.
During the period that the refugee is receiving help from the VOLAG, the individual may apply for public assistance. The refugee must provide the name of their resettlement agency as a condition of eligibility. The CAO will contact the VOLAG to determine the amount of cash or in-kind assistance provided to the refugee by the VOLAG or other sponsoring agency. The consent of the refugee is not required for contact with the VOLAG or sponsor. The CAO will consider the assistance provided when determining the refugee's eligibility for benefits.
NOTE: The CAO will consider only the income and resources actually made available to the refugee. The CAO will not deem income and resources from a VOLAG or sponsor to a refugee.
If a significant number of newly arrived refugees in the community are applying for cash assistance during the 30 (or 120) day period for which the resettlement agency is responsible, the CAO will advise the Area Manager of the situation. The CAO will not deny benefits to eligible refugees.
Except as provided for in this Chapter, the CAO will determine a refugee's eligibility using the same criteria and procedures applied to any other client.
Reissued May 1, 2014, replacing February 14, 2013