What Benefits Are Refugees Eligible to Receive?

Refugees are eligible for the social programs that U.S. citizens are eligible for upon their arrival to the United States. Refugee eligibility for these programs is determined by income, just as it is for U.S. born citizens, and they are held to the same program requirements and conditions. When refugees first arrive to the U.S., they have no resources and typically enroll in programs with a refugee resettlement agency focused on obtaining employment, learning English, and achieving self-sufficiency.

Newly arrived singles and couples without minor children, and therefore ineligible for TANF. Some refugees are eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). In order to maintain this benefit, refugees must participate in English classes and Employment Services. These benefits are available for a maximum of eight months after arrival in the U.S.

A refugee’s travel to the U.S. is funded by the U.S. Department of State by way of an interest free loan, with payments arranged beginning six months after arrival.

For information on Refugee Benefit Eligibility, please reference the Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR) Resettlement Services Fact Sheets.