Every year, the United States receives thousands of refugees. A refugee is a person outside the United States seeking asylum because they have faced or risk facing persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a specific social group, or political beliefs.
That said, while the US has been getting its fair share of refugees, most of these numbers have been dominated by Somali refugees. And for good reason. Somalia has been in a state of civil war for the last 30 years, and things don’t look any better. That is why more and more Somali citizens are escaping hardship and trying to build a better life in the US. With that in mind, here are a few benefits for refugees in the US, whether they be from Somalia, Ukraine, or Afghanistan.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
The RCA program is a government-financed initiative for refugees entering the US. The federal government makes monetary subsidies to states for eligible refugees and other humanitarian immigrants, such as victims of human trafficking.
The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program pays refugees a small sum of money during their first eight months in the US. You will need to utilize the funds to cover your essential living expenses, such as utility or rent payments. However, you must meet the RCA contracts’ criteria to get monthly RCA checks.
While in the RCA program, you will also get eight months’ worth of cash management from the resettlement organization you’ve utilized. After all, the first eight months of resettlement will be difficult, especially in a massive country like the US. However, here, your case manager can be of great help.
Typically, RCA is provided to refugees who’re ineligible for MFIP and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) for eight months after arriving in the US. So, it would be wise to look for a permanent source of income during these eight months. However, don’t worry, as RSS (Refugee Social Services) and RES (Refugee Employment Services) work day and night to ensure refugees become self-sufficient over time.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is offered to refugees entering the US for around eight months. This is typically known as short-term health insurance. Of course, short-term health insurance doesn’t have all the benefits that a US citizen typically gets. However, at this point in their lives, escaping from a war-ridden country such as Somalia, even short-term health insurance is a welcome benefit.
Furthermore, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enables refugees to use the marketplace to get low-cost health insurance and apply for programs such as CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and Medicaid if eligible.
Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA)
The CMA reimburses governments and service providers for services supplied to refugees. All refugees receive medical treatment when they initially arrive in the US thanks to Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA). As a refugee, you must undergo a medical examination with a doctor. This means you may require vaccines against certain illnesses. Also, depending on your family size and age, you may be eligible for a different government medical program. However, your resettlement agency will let you know which medical programs you can apply for.
Wrapping Up
Refugees have a lot of benefits waiting for them when they enter the US. However, as with every country, these individuals must fulfill a few eligibility criteria to take advantage of such benefits. So, talk to your case manager or resettlement agency to get a better idea of what benefits you are eligible for after getting refugee status.
