Setting Up New Arrivals for Success: ORR Expands Cash and Medical Assistance by Four Months

I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, the eligibility period for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) will expand from eight to 12 months. This change is momentous because it means that refugees, and all the populations eligible for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) services, whose date of eligibility for ORR benefits is on or after October 1, 2021, will have the opportunity to potentially receive up to four additional months of assistance.

Initially, when ORR was established through the Refugee Act of 1980, Congress authorized cash and medical assistance for up to three years in order to ensure that new arrivals would have the extra support they needed to begin their new lives in America. They had peace of mind knowing that they had funds to help meet their most basic needs, such as food, shelter, and transportation, and had healthcare coverage. However, by fiscal year (FY) 1992, mainly due to insufficient appropriations, ORR had to reduce the RCA and RMA eligibility periods to eight months, where it remained for the past 30 years.

Most of the refugee populations ORR serves are fleeing from an unsafe or traumatic experience in their home countries. That trauma, coupled with making a new home in an unfamiliar place, can be a difficult transition. However, I’m heartened time and time again at the perseverance individuals and families show to become self-sufficient and a contributing member of their new communities. This extra cushion of time will alleviate a little of the burden as new arrivals find a job to support their families, learn a new language, and acclimate to a new culture.

Integration into U.S. communities does not happen overnight, it takes time, and we want all of the populations we serve to succeed. Effective resettlement has been a Congressional priority and a priority for this administration, and this change reflects that commitment.

When a refugee arrives to their state of destination in the U.S., they may be eligible for federal mainstream benefits in their state, such as cash assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and health insurance through Medicaid. However, if they are ineligible for these benefits, they may be eligible to receive RCA and RMA. While some may find a job quickly, with RCA, tackling the high costs of housing and living in the U.S. becomes more manageable. For those who might not find a job immediately, this allows them a longer period of time to learn English and receive any needed job training to help them join the workforce, ideally in a profession they had before they arrived in the U.S. With professional development, they can often times earn a higher wage, which is better for their family and has ripple effects as they contribute more to their local economies and communities. Also, the longer eligibility period for RMA will allow individuals to address any medical or mental health issues—many have suffered trauma or torture before they resettled here.

This adjustment is in line with the Administration for Children and Families’ 2022 Strategic Plan. Refugees often don’t have safety nets that others born in the U.S. may have access to, such as family resources or lines of credits to initially get them on their feet. Also, without a work or rental history in this country, there are often other obstacles facing newcomers. Now they will have a bit more time and assistance to adjust.

This adjustment reflects our responsibility to set up individuals for success in our country, and I know will be a welcomed announcement to refugees themselves, and our partners and community members who are working hard each day to ensure new arrivals have the basis to achieve their dreams and become integrated members of society in the U.S.