What benefits and services are Ukrainians with a humanitarian parole in the USA entitled to?

If you are a Ukrainian who has been granted a humanitarian parole, then you have the right to apply for federal benefits, reports US Department of Health.

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You are eligible for benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid health insurance, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance food assistance. You are also entitled to receive cash assistance, medical assistance, employment assistance, English language education, and other services offered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Who are Ukrainians with a humanitarian parole

Some Ukrainians who recently lived in Ukraine but were forced to leave the country due to the war have been or will be given humanitarian parole by the US Department of Homeland Security in response to Russia's war against Ukraine. Ukrainians with a humanitarian parole in the United States between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023 are eligible to apply for basic benefits, resettlement assistance and other benefits available to refugees until the end of the parole. Spouses' children under the age of 21 are also eligible to apply for these benefits.

Where to apply for ORR benefits/services after arriving in the US

ORR provides funding to state governments, resettlement agencies, and other nonprofit community organizations to provide benefits and services to eligible individuals. From May 21, 2022, or the date you received your parole, whichever is later, you can apply to the State Benefits Office or the nearest resettlement agency in your state. For a list of local resettlement agencies by state, see the ORR State Program Directory, which also includes a link to ORR state contacts: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/map/find-resources-and-contacts-your-state.

When to Apply for ORR Benefits/Services

This should be done soon. Don't wait. Benefits and services are only available for a limited time. ORR funded cash and medical assistance is limited to a maximum of 12 months from your eligibility date (May 21, 2022 or the date you received your humanitarian parole, whichever is later). Most ORR employment and other self-sufficiency services will be available until the end of your parole or up to five years from the date of your parole, whichever comes first.

What to take with you

You need to provide documents confirming your citizenship, your humanitarian parole and the date you received it. Each person in the household applying for ORR benefits and services must provide their own proof and date of parole (or other status eligible for ORR).

What benefits and services can a Ukrainian with a humanitarian parole receive?

Ukrainians with a humanitarian parole are eligible to apply for basic benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Social Income cash assistance, Medicaid health insurance, and food assistance through the Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP). If you are not eligible for these basic benefits, you may be eligible for the State Benefits Office or the nearest resettlement agency in your state for the following ORR benefits and services:

Initial ORR benefits (up to 12 months from eligibility date)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

From the date of entitlement (May 21, 2022 or the date of humanitarian parole, whichever is later), Ukrainians can receive up to 12 months of RCA for their most basic needs such as food, shelter and transportation. RCA is associated with programs that provide family self-reliance planning and employment services to help clients assess their needs, plan how to meet those needs, and find and keep a job immediately.

ORR Compliance Grant Program (MG)

Some may participate in the MG program, an early self-reliance initiative. Places for registration are limited in number and location. The MG program provides cash assistance, intensive case management and placement services to help Ukrainians quickly find and keep jobs. The goal of the program is to help those in need become economically self-sufficient within 240 days.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Ukrainian citizens with a humanitarian parole can receive up to 12 months RMA to cover their medical needs. The RMA provides the same health coverage as Medicaid.

Services

Employment Assistance: Refugee Support Service (RSS)

Ukrainians with a humanitarian humanitarian parole are entitled to have access to RSS, which provides a wide range of services in support of employment and self-sufficiency: employment services; training and preparation for work; assistance in finding a job, employment and teaching English; care for children; transport; translation and interpreting services; and office work.

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Specialized programs

Some clients qualify for specialized programs such as medical services, technical assistance for small start-ups, financial savings, youth mentoring, or other targeted support programs.

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