Benefits for Cuban/Haitian Entrants
Benefits for Cuban/Haitian Entrants
Are you a Cuban or Haitian individual who has been granted entry into the United States?
You may be eligible for cash assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services offered through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). You may also be eligible for federal “mainstream” (non-ORR funded) benefits, such as cash assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This document focuses on the benefits and services that ORR funds. To find out what resettlement benefits and services are available, contact your State Refugee Coordinator: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/grant-funding/key-state-contacts.
Where do I sign up for ORR benefits/services to qualify as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant?
ORR provides funding to state governments, resettlement agencies, and other nonprofit community-based organizations to provide benefits and services for eligible individuals. You can sign up at the state government benefits office or closest resettlement agency in your state beginning on or after the date that you qualify as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant. For a list of state contacts go to: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/ grant-funding/key-state-contacts.
When should I sign up for ORR benefits/services?
Now. Do not wait. Your benefits and services are only available for a limited time. ORR-funded cash and medical assistance are limited to a maximum of eight months from your date of eligibility. For most employment services and other services aimed at economic self-sufficiency, the eligibility period is five years from the date you became eligible as a Cuban/ Haitian Entrant.
What are some of the benefits and services I can receive as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant?
Some Cuban/Haitian Entrants are eligible to apply for federal mainstream benefits in their state, such as cash assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Initial ORR Benefits (up to 8 months from eligibility date)
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Those not eligible for SSI or TANF may receive Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). Counting from their date of eligibility, individuals may receive up to 12 months of RCA to help meet their most basic needs, such as food, shelter, and transportation.
ORR Matching Grant Program
Some may participate in the ORR Matching Grant (MG) Program, an early self-sufficiency program. Enrollment slots are limited in number and by location. The MG Program provides cash assistance, intensive case management, and employment services to help clients immediately find and maintain employment. The goal of the program is to assist clients to become economically self-sufficient within 180 days. Individuals should enroll in the MG Program as soon as possible after their date of eligibility.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Those not eligible for Medicaid may receive up to 12 months of RMA from their date of eligibility. RMA provides the same health insurance coverage as Medicaid.
Services (up to 5 years from eligibility date)
Employment Assistance: Refugee Support Services
SIV holders and SQ/SI parolees may access the Refugee Support Services (RSS) program to receive employability services, available for up to five years from their date of eligibility. RSS helps provide employability services; job training and preparation; assistance with job search, placement, and retention; English language training; childcare; transportation; translation and interpreter services; and case management.
Specialized Programs
Some clients may be eligible for specialized programs such as health services, technical assistance for small business start-ups, financial savings, youth mentoring, or other targeted support programs.
[1] Section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provides DHS with discretion to parole an individual into the United States temporarily under certain conditions on a case-by-case basis.
[2] The U.S. Department of Justice conducts administrative court proceedings, called removal proceedings, to decide whether foreign-born individuals who are charged by DHS with violating immigration law should be ordered removed from the United States or should be granted relief or protection from removal and be permitted to remain in the United States.
[3] For more information, please see ORR Policy Letter 16-01 at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/policy-guidance/status-and-documentation-requirements-orrrefugee-resettlement-program#cuban.
Who may qualify as a Cuban/ Haitian Entrant?
You may qualify as a Cuban/ Haitian Entrant if you are a Cuban or Haitian national: 1) granted parole as a Cuban/ Haitian Entrant,1 2) in removal proceedings,2 or 3) with an application for asylum pending.3
What should I bring with me?
You should bring proof of your eligibility as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant and the date you received it. Types of proof include: 1) an I-94 (DHS Arrival/Departure Record) noting parole; 2) a DHS form indicating a Notice to Appear, Order of Release on Recognizance, or other removal proceedings form; 3) a form from an immigration judge showing an application for asylum; 4) an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with selected codes; or 5) other documentation issued by the federal government indicating that you are eligible. This list does not include all types of documentation or specific information on your documentation that may prove your eligibility as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant. For a complete list go to: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/ files/documents/orr/orr_fact_sheet_ cuban_haitian_entrant.pdf (PDF).