M E M O R A N D U M

IM-83  06/15/99  KOSOVAR REFUGEES


SUBJECT:
KOSOVAR REFUGEES
 
DISCUSSION:
The United States is admitting Kosovar Albanians to the United States as refugees.  As refugees, they are eligible for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and may be eligible for food stamp benefits.

To assist states in serving Kosovar refugees, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has provided the attached handouts describing the Food Stamp Program and the WIC program.  One handout is in English; the other is a translation that can be read by the refugees.

Also attached is a fact sheet on food stamp eligibility developed by FNS.  Kosovar refugees must meet the same eligibility criteria as citizens and other refugees.  The fact sheet summarizes the food stamp eligibility criteria and explains how the various living arrangements affect eligibility.

Please provide copies of the attached handouts and the fact sheet to any local organization that may have contact with these refugees.  Give a copy of the handouts and fact sheet to anyone who asks about assistance available to Kosovar refugees.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Share this memorandum with all staff.

    •  
  • Provide copies of the Nutrition Assistance Programs Information for Refugees handout and the Kosovar Food Stamp Eligibility fact sheet to organizations that have contact with refugees and to anyone asking about assistance for Kosovar refugees.
BH
Distribution #3
Handouts and fact sheet are not available On-line.
[ 1999 Memorandums ]