What Refugee and Entrant information Actually Covers
Refugee and entrant information is a set of federal programs that provide cash, medical coverage, and job training to people who have recently arrived in the United States as refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, or certain other humanitarian categories. The programs do not give you a lump sum or a one-time payment — they provide monthly cash support, health insurance, and access to employment services for a set period after you arrive.
The main program is called the Refugee Resettlement Program, run by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services. A second program, called the Entrant information Program, covers Cuban and Haitian nationals who arrived under specific conditions. Both programs work through state refugee coordinators and local resettlement agencies, not through a single national office you can call.
The support you receive depends on which category you fall into, which state you settle in, and how long you have been in the country. A refugee who arrived six months ago may receive different benefits than one who arrived two years ago, even if they live in the same city.
Key Takeaways
- Refugee and entrant information provides monthly cash support, medical coverage, and job training through state agencies and local resettlement organizations, not a single federal program you contact directly.
- The length of support varies by category and state — some people receive help for eight months, others for longer, depending on when they arrived and their immigration status.
- Your resettlement agency handles enrollment and connects you to cash information, health insurance, and employment services all at once.
- Each state runs its own program with its own rules, so the amount of monthly cash and the length of support differ by location.
- You do not need to reapply each month — once enrolled, you receive benefits automatically until your may be able to access period ends.
Who Qualifies for Refugee and Entrant information
You may be covered if you arrived in the United States as a refugee (someone fleeing persecution in your home country and admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program), an asylee (someone who fled to the U.S. and was granted asylum after arrival), a Cuban or Haitian entrant (admitted under specific historical programs), a Amerasian (child of a U.S. citizen and Vietnamese national), or a Special Immigrant from the Soviet Union, Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. You must also have been in the country for less than a certain period — typically eight months for refugees, though this varies by state and can be extended in some cases.
If you arrived through a different immigration pathway — such as a family-based visa, employment visa, or tourist visa — you are not covered by this program, even if you later become a refugee or asylee. The program is designed for people admitted specifically through humanitarian resettlement channels.
Your resettlement agency will confirm your category and may be able to access when you first meet with them. You do not need to contact the federal government directly — the agency receives your information from the State Department or your local immigration office.
How Monthly Cash Support Works
Once you are enrolled, you receive a monthly cash payment through your state's refugee information program. The amount is not set nationally — each state decides how much to pay, and the sum typically ranges from around $300 to $900 per month for an individual, though this varies widely. Some states tie the payment to their welfare benefit levels; others set their own amounts.
The cash is usually deposited into a bank account or loaded onto a debit card, and you receive it automatically each month until your may be able to access period ends. You do not need to reapply or recertify each month unless your state specifically requires it — most do not. If your circumstances change (you move, get a job, or your family size changes), you should report this to your caseworker, as it may affect your payment amount.
The may be able to access period — how long you receive cash — depends on your category and your state. Refugees typically receive cash for eight months from arrival, though some states extend this. Asylees and entrants may have different timelines. Once the period ends, you are no longer covered by this program, though you may be able to move to other information programs if you meet their requirements.
Medical Coverage and Health Services
Refugee and entrant information includes health insurance coverage for the duration of your may be able to access period. In most states, this is provided through Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program for low-income people. Your resettlement agency enrolls you automatically — you do not need to explore separately.
The coverage includes doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and preventive services like vaccinations and screenings. Some states also provide mental health and substance abuse treatment, which can be important for people who have experienced trauma during displacement.
When your cash information period ends, your Medicaid coverage typically ends as well, unless you remain may be able to access for Medicaid through another route (such as low income or disability). Your caseworker should tell you when your coverage is about to expire and what options may be available to you.
Employment Services and Job Training
Your resettlement agency connects you to employment services as part of the program. This usually includes job placement help, resume writing, interview coaching, and referrals to employers who hire refugees. Some agencies also offer English language classes and job-specific training in fields like healthcare, construction, or hospitality.
These services are meant to help you find work quickly, which reduces your need for cash information and helps you become self-sufficient. Many resettlement agencies have partnerships with local employers and can place you in a job within weeks of arrival. The quality and availability of these services vary by agency and location.
Employment services are usually free and are part of your refugee information package — you do not pay for them separately. If you find a job, your caseworker can help you understand how your earnings affect your monthly cash payment, as some states reduce the payment once you start working.
How to Enroll and What Happens First
You do not explore for refugee and entrant information yourself. Instead, your resettlement agency handles enrollment when you arrive. If you are a refugee admitted through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the State Department assigns you to a resettlement agency before you land in the United States. That agency meets you at the airport or train station and takes you to your first appointment.
At your first meeting, your caseworker will verify your identity and immigration status, explain the program, and enroll you in cash information and Medicaid. You will also be assigned an employment counselor who will help you start looking for work. This entire process usually happens within your first week in the country.
If you are an asylee or entrant who arrived on your own and later received status, the process is different — you will need to contact your state refugee coordinator or a local resettlement agency to find out how to enroll. Some states require you to explore within a certain window after you receive your status, so it is important to act quickly if you are in this situation.
Differences Between States and How to Find Your Local Program
Each state runs its own refugee information program with its own rules, payment amounts, and may be able to access timelines. A refugee in Texas may receive a different monthly payment and have access to different services than a refugee in New York, even if they arrived on the same day. Some states are more generous; others have tighter budgets and shorter may be able to access periods.
To find your state's program, contact your resettlement agency directly — they are your main point of contact and can tell you exactly what you are covered for and for how long. If you do not know which agency is serving you, you can search the Refugee Council USA directory online or contact your state's refugee coordinator through the state health or social services department. The state coordinator can also tell you if there are any gaps in coverage or if you may be covered by other programs once your refugee information ends.
If you have moved to a different state since you arrived, your benefits may change. Some states allow you to transfer your case; others require you to reapply. Contact your new state's refugee coordinator before you move to understand how the transition will work.
What Happens When Your may be able to access Period Ends
When your refugee or entrant information period ends — typically eight months after arrival for refugees, though this varies — your monthly cash payment stops and your Medicaid coverage ends. This does not mean you have no options; it means your benefits shift to other programs if you may have access to.
If you are working and earning low wages, you may be able to move to your state's regular welfare program (called TANF, or Temporary information for Needy Families, in most states). If you have a disability, you may may have access to for SSI (Supplemental Security Income). If you have children, you may be covered by child-focused programs. Your caseworker should discuss these options with you before your refugee information ends and help you understand what you need to do to transition.
If you do not may have access to for other programs and your information ends, you will need to rely on employment income, family support, or community resources. This is why the employment services during your information period are so important — they are designed to help you find stable work before your cash support runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive refugee information if I arrived as a tourist and later got asylum?
No. Refugee and entrant information is only for people admitted through specific humanitarian programs — the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, the asylum program (if you were referred by UNHCR or a similar organization before arrival), or the entrant programs. If you arrived on a tourist visa or other non-humanitarian visa and later filed for asylum, you are not covered, even if your asylum case is approved. You may be covered by other low-income programs depending on your state and circumstances.
What if I move to a different state after I arrive?
Contact your new state's refugee coordinator before you move. Some states allow your case to transfer; others require you to reapply or may have different may be able to access rules. Moving can affect your payment amount and the length of your benefits, so it is important to understand the rules in your new state before you go.
Do I lose my benefits if I get a job?
Not automatically. Most states allow you to work and continue receiving some cash information, though your payment may be reduced based on your earnings. Your caseworker can explain your state's rules and help you understand how work affects your benefits. Getting a job is encouraged and is part of the program's goal.
Can my family members who did not come with me receive information?
Only if they are also admitted as refugees, asylees, or entrants and are enrolled in the program themselves. Family members who are still outside the United States or who arrived through a different immigration pathway are not covered by this program. If you are sponsoring family members to come to the U.S., you may have financial obligations under the sponsorship agreement, but that is separate from refugee information.
What if I disagree with a decision about my benefits?
Each state has a process for appealing decisions about your benefits. Ask your caseworker for information about your state's appeal process. You typically have a set number of days to file an appeal after a decision is made, so it is important to act quickly if you believe a decision is wrong.