Refugee Programs - Time Eligibility

Federal Funding

There is 100% federal funding for the Refugee Resettlement Program and the Cuban Haitian Entrant Program.

Program

Time Eligibility

Aid Type

RCA/ECA

12- months

01-G, Refugee Family (Employable)

01-N, Refugee Family (Unemployable)

01-R, Refugee

01-W, Amerasian

01-X, Amerasian Family

08-O, Cuban/Haitian (Employable)

08-N, Cuban/Haitian (Unemployable)

Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care

Age 18 or month of high school graduation

01-F, Refugee

01-U, Amerasian

01-V, Amerasian - Infant Supplement

08-F, Cuban/Haitian

08-M, Cuban/Haitian - Infant Supplement

State-Only Funding

Non-Citizens determined eligible under the provision of SB 1569, if otherwise eligible, will receive state-funded benefits and services equivalent to the federally-funded RCA Program. The time eligibility period for state-only RCA will also be twelve months. If a recipient of state-only RCA becomes federally eligible (ORR certified), another twelve-month eligibility period will begin (federally-funded), effective the date of ORR certification. The eligibility period for state-only RCA will be for twelve months beginning from the date of application for public assistance.

Systematic Alien Verification Entitlements (SAVE)

[69-211.3]

If the RCA/ECA applicant provides acceptable refugee status documentation but the EW is unable to confirm the information through the SAVE process, the case must be approved accordingly. However, the EW must follow SAVE procedures for any questionable documentation, unless the refugee chooses to secure the appropriate documentation by contacting USCIS directly. Refer to Common-Place Handbook, “Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA),” page 14-7 and “Requirements,” page 14-2.

Exception: SAVE will not contain information about victims of a severe form of trafficking or their non-immigrant family members. Until further notice do not contact SAVE concerning these individuals. For any questions regarding their immigration status contact ORR at 1-(866)-401-5510.

Time Eligibility Determination

[69-205.24]

RCA Applicant/Recipient

The month of arrival (date of entry), as indicated on the USCIS Form I-94, is counted as the first month in determining time eligibility. Time eligibility for RCA recipients is 12 months.

Victims of Human Trafficking, Domestic Abuse or Other Serious Crimes

The date of entry will be the ORR certification date on the certification letter. The date of entry is the first date of eligibility.

Non-immigrant Family Members of Trafficking Victims

The date of entry for benefits purposes is:

The notice date on the Form I-797, Notice of Action of approval of the individuals Derivative “T” Visa, for non-immigrant family member already present in the United States (U.S.) on the date the Derivative “T” Visa was issued.
The date of entry stamped on the individual’s passport or I-94 Arrival Record for a non-immigrant family member who enters the U.S. on the basis of a Derivative “T” Visa.

United States Citizen Child

The “date of entry” for a United States citizen child, born to a refugee, is the entry date of the most recently arrived parent or the child's birthdate, whichever is earlier.

ECA Applicant/Recipient

The date of parole (release from USCIS custody) including entrant children born in the United States resettlement camps, is counted as the first month in determining time eligibility. Time eligibility for ECA recipients is 12 months.

Note: A refugee/entrant who is within the 12-month period following the date of entry/parole into the United States is referred to as an RCA/ECA time-eligible refugee for purposes of RCA/ECA.
A refugee/entrant who has lived in the United States for more than 12 months is referred to as a RCA/ECA time-expired refugee for RCA/ECA purposes.

Individual Granted Asylum

The “date of entry” for an individual granted asylum is the date USCIS “grants” asylum. It is not the date they entered the U.S. Individuals with asylum pending are not eligible for assistance.

Unaccompanied Minor Children

The rule for time limits does not apply to unaccompanied minor children. Refer to Time Eligibility - Unaccompanied Refugee Minor.