Some information in this article might be outdated. Please check out the important update about government benefits for Ukrainian newcomers:
https://www.settlein.support/en-us/articles/14141624907037
If you are a Ukrainian or non-Ukrainian displaced from Ukraine and paroled into the United States, you are likely eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) benefits. The ORR works through the states and other non-governmental organizations to help cover the costs of food, housing, health, and other basic needs. If eligible, a local resettlement agency can help you identify appropriate programs and apply.
What benefit programs are Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees eligible for?
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplements the food budget of needy families or individuals so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Helps low-income families with children achieve economic self-sufficiency. States use TANF to fund monthly cash assistance payments to low-income families with children, as well as a wide range of services.
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Helps refugees without children pay their bills while they search for work.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Provides funds to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. It is only available if you are over 65, if you are blind, or if you are mentally or physically disabled and can’t work.
- Medicaid
Helps families and individuals with the cost of doctor visits and healthcare.
- 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.
When would I be eligible for benefits?
The initial date of eligibility for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees and other non-Ukrainian individuals displaced from Ukraine for benefits and services is May 21, 2022, or the individual’s date of humanitarian parole, whichever is later.
If an individual from either of these populations was paroled and entered the United States between February 24, 2022, and May 21, 2022, their date of eligibility is May 21, 2022. If they entered the United States after May 21, 2022, their date of eligibility is their date of humanitarian parole.
How long do the benefits last?
Depending on the benefit or service, the length of eligibility ranges from up to 12 months to the end of the individual’s parole term, unless otherwise amended by law or the individual gains another ORR-eligible category or status.
If a Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee or other non-Ukrainian individual displaced from Ukraine applies for and obtains Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the individual will remain eligible for ORR benefits and services until the end of the individual’s parole term.