As of October 1, 2024, newly paroled Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees are not eligible for ORR services and federal mainstream benefits.
This means a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee arriving on or after October 1, 2024, is not eligible for many federal and refugee benefits such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Ukrainian humanitarian parolees who arrive on or after October 1, 2024, are also ineligible for financial assistance from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and ORR-funded programs and services provided through resettlement agencies, including Preferred Communities or Matching Grant.
There are some exceptions. The following immediate relatives are eligible for ORR programs and services, including public benefits, financial assistance, and case management support at resettlement agencies:
| 1 | Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee | Arrived on or after October 1, 2024 | Have a spouse paroled before October 1, 2024 Note: Consult with an immigration attorney or U.S. Department of Justice accredited representative if you are uncertain about whether someone qualifies as a spouse. |
| 2 | Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee | Arrived on or after October 1, 2024 | Have a minor child paroled unaccompanied before Oct 1, 2024 Note: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) definition of child can be found at Section 101(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the definition of unaccompanied child at INA Section 412(d)(2)(B). |
| 3 | Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee | Arrived on or after October 1, 2024 |
Have a parent paroled before Oct 1, 2024. The parolee must be unmarried and under 21. |
Ukrainians without a qualifying family relationship who enter the United States after September 30, 2023 cannot rely on government assistance and should have a strong financial supporter or enough personal funds to be self-sufficient until they are employed.
State-Level Benefits and Other Resources
All humanitarian parolees are eligible for marketplace healthcare plans. Humanitarian parolees have access to subsidies, but the cost of insurance and the amount of subsidies may differ by state and by family. In some states, humanitarian parolees are eligible for Medicaid, and in others, they are eligible for the public option. In many states, Emergency Medicaid may offer coverage for certain conditions.
Check with your local public benefits office to determine what your state provides. Below are some ways that states are working to provide assistance:
- Some states provide state-funded healthcare subsidies to those who are ineligible for federal healthcare subsidies.
- Other states, such as Washington and California, have public healthcare options that anyone can access regardless of immigration status.
- California and Minnesota provide state-funded Medicaid for populations ineligible for federally funded Medicaid.
- Colorado has private funding that allows it to continue to support UHPs with public benefits.
The IRC’s Virtual Resettlement Line (VRL) will continue providing resources and referrals for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees. If you need assistance and are ineligible for services from a resettlement agency, call VRL at (212) 551-3010 or email VRL at vrl@rescue.org for assistance.
In addition, Welcome.US provides resources and information for newly arrived humanitarian parolees and their sponsors. Their toolkit for Ukrainians and other populations contains guidance for connecting to local and state services.