A VOLAG/RA is defined as a voluntary resettlement agency that provides social services, financial, and in-kind assistance to help the refugee adjust to life in the US and become self-supporting. The VOLAG/RA may use a sponsoring agency that may be an individual, church, civic organization, or other local group or organization to help with resettlement.
These agencies provide basic support for the first 90 days of resettlement: secure housing, basic clothing and supplies, assess employability, and assist with finding employment.
NOTE: An individual granted asylum may not be receiving assistance from a VOLAG/RA
Cash assistance provided by the VOLAG/RA during the first 90 days, is referred to as "Reception and Placement" or "R&P" money. An R&P disbursement is issued as a one-time payment or in multiple payments in the same calendar month. It is considered a non-recurring lump sum payment and a resource in the month received. R&P funds disbursed as vendor payments are excluded income. An expense paid with vendor payment is not allowed as a deduction for the month the payment is intended to cover. Income "earmarked" by the VOLAG/RA to be used for specific purposes (rent, utilities, furniture, etc.) is considered excluded income.
NOTE: Acceptable VOLAG/RA verification must include information to determine if the R&P income received by the refugee was required to be spent for a specific purpose.
A refugee may need to apply for cash or medical assistance if:
The material or medical needs of the refugee and family exceed what the VOLAG/RA is willing or able to provide.
NOTE: The CAO will determine eligibility based on the TANF resource and income limits.
The VOLAG/RA or the refugee end contact with each other.
The VOLAG/RA is unable to meet the cost of major medical services needed for the refugee.
If a refugee applies for assistance, the CAO will not deem the income and resources of the VOLAG or sponsor. The CAO will consider only the income and resources actually made available to the refugee.
The CAO will contact the VOLAG/RA to determine what assistance it is providing to the refugee. If the refugee is applying for RCA, the CAO will ask the VOLAG/RA whether the refugee has quit a job or refused an offer of employment. The CAO does not need the consent of the refugee to contact the agency. The CAO will not require a written statement from the VOLAG/RA.
The CAO will advise the agency that the refugee is requesting assistance and will record the contact with the agency in the case record.
See Appendix A for a list of voluntary resettlement agencies (VOLAGs/RAs).
Reissued April 30, 2018, replacing June 13, 2003