M E M O R A N D U M

IM-158  11/07/00  REFUGEE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM MANUAL


SUBJECT:
REFUGEE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM MANUAL
 
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce the Refugee Resettlement Program Manual, Section 1500.000.00 through 1535.000.00 on-line in IMNL.  The Refugee Settlement Program Manual includes the eligibility process and how to case manage refugees with the aide of resettlement agencies.  Each office will receive hard copies of this new manual along with a table of contents and index.

The Refugee Resettlement Program is a Federal Program of assistance and services to refugees resettling in the United States, regardless of national origin.  The Cuban/Haitian Entrants eligibility is presently the same as for refugees.

REFUGEE CASH ASSISTANCE (RCA) AND REFUGEE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE (RMA)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), provides monthly cash assistance payments to needy refugees, and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), provides payment of hospital and medical bills in a similar manner to the Medicaid program.  Both RCA and RMA are available up to eight months after a refugee?s arrival in the United States.

Refugee Cash Assistance eligibility and budgeting policies are the same as the Temporary Assistance cash program.  The guidelines are the same as Temporary Assistance in reference to work programs and job expectations.

Refugee Medical Assistance is offered if the refugee is not eligible for any other Medicaid program.  The refugee can choose to receive Refugee Medical Assistance only, if eligible, and not receive Refugee Cash Assistance. 

NOTE:  Look at eligibility for all other levels of cash and medical assistance before offering Refugee Cash Assistance and/or Refugee Medical Assistance to the refugee applicant.

RCA WORK REQUIREMENTS

Refugees who apply for and receive Refugee Cash Assistance are required to register for employment services and must accept an appropriate employment, training, or language training opportunity.  There are exemptions for this requirement outlined in the on-line manual.

There are Refugee Resettlement agencies that receive special funds to assist refugees when they enter the country.  They can provide employment and social services, as well as language training. There are agencies located in St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City.  A list of those agencies and the counties they serve is included in the new IMNL section.
 

 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Immediately apply all Refugee Resettlement Program policies as outlined in Sections 1500.000.00 through 1535.000.00 of IMNL.
DB/ks
Distribution #6
Manual available in IMNL

[ Memorandum Table of Contents ]