The United States Congress extended the benefits for Ukrainian Citizens originally allocated to Ukrainian refugees beginning May 21, 2022 under the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 (AUSAA), and has now extended it with the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 (USSAA). It includes resettlement assistance and other benefits available to refugees from Ukraine, including Ukrainian citizens and other persons of non-Ukrainian origin residing in Ukraine as of February 2022, in connection with their entry into the United States.
Who and what benefits are allowed in the United States under the new law?
- Ukrainians who came to the United States under the Unite for Ukraine program with parole from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 are now eligible for benefits provided by the Ukrainian Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022.
- Those who were released before September 30, 2023 may also continue to receive benefits through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
- Benefits include federal assistance such as cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- Some Ukrainians may also receive initial assistance during the first 12 months of their release, such as Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), Home Health Examination, Employment Preparation, Employment, English Language. training, counseling and other services offered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
How to apply for relocation benefits?
Eligible Ukrainians can apply to their state benefits department or the nearest resettlement agency in their state. You can find a list of local resettlement agencies by state in the ORR State Program Directory at www.acf.hhs.gov
To apply for ORR benefits, you will need to provide proof of your citizenship, proof of your humanitarian parole, and the date you received it. Each family member applying for ORR benefits and services must provide their own certification and the date they were granted Humanitarian Parole (or other ORR-eligible status).