.Purpose

Release Date:

4/19/2023

Term

Description

Refugees

Persons defined as refugees for RCA benefit eligibility purposes are legal noncitizens who have one of the following immigration statuses which provides an independent path to lawful immigration status or permanent residency: 

The noncitizen must provide proof of one of the aforementioned refugee designations. 

Parolee

A designation of “parolee” allows for lawful presence in the U.S.; it does not equate to an immigration status and does not provide an independent path to lawful immigration status or permanent residency. 

A parolee may be able to obtain lawful status in the U.S. by applying for asylum or other immigration statuses. 

Non-Refugee

For purposes of determining eligibility for RCA, the term “refugee” does not include any person with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Status (USCIS) status of:

Although the individuals above may be eligible for other benefits and services, they are not eligible for federal RCA benefits.

CAM Program

The CAM Program began on December 1, 2014, and provides an alternative to the dangerous journey that some children are currently undertaking to come to the U.S. 

The CAM Program:

CAM children are eligible to benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. 

Applications for the CAM Program are initiated in the U.S. by the parents who must seek the assistance of a designated resettlement agency that works with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to help resettle refugees in the U.S.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) relationship testing is required for the application process to confirm the biological relationship between the parent in the U.S. and the child seeking refugee status. The U.S.-based parent is required to pay for the DNA testing and costs will be reimbursed when all relationships are verified to be true. The minor’s DNA will be collected abroad in certified labs in their country. 

COVID-19 Extensions

The RCA time extension is limited to RCA participants whose date of eligibility (i.e., not the date of application) for RCA benefits is between April 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. 

The following Call-Outs were released to staff informing them about the four extensions that continued to extend RCA eligibility which required staff to apply workarounds considering the system was programmed to remove the eight-month RCA Batch discontinuance job and was not programmed to recognize additional months of eligibility: 

These Call-Outs also provide guidance in relation to the waiver of immigration and identity verifications associated with these populations. 

Afghans

The following Afghans are eligible for federal RCA benefits as long as they received one of the following immigration designations:

AHP Eligibility

AHP individuals are eligible only for a specified timeframe to the extent as refugees under Section 207 of the INA as follows:

1.     Principal Applicant AHP and their dependents arriving in the U.S. between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023. 

Note:  Individuals who are paroled after September 30, 2023, are not eligible under this guidance. 

Enter into the Community - Eligibility

a)    Begins either October 1, 2021, or the date the parolee “entered the community” in the U.S. whichever is later; and

Note:  The last date an applicant can apply for benefits is September 30, 2023. 

b)    Ends March 31, 2023, or the individual’s parole term whichever is later. 

2.     Spouses and children of Principal Applicant AHP who are paroled on or after October 1, 2022, are eligible to benefits and services as long as the Principal Applicant AHP is paroled between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023. In addition, their later-arriving family members are eligible for State and federal benefits and services as long as the Principal Applicant AHP was paroled between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023.

3.     Parents or legal guardians of unaccompanied minors paroled after March 31, 2023, are eligible for benefits and services. The unaccompanied minor must have arrived as an AHP between July 31, 2021 and September 30, 2023. 

Departing a Safe Haven Military Base - Eligibility

Prior to June 16, 2022, the program eligibility begin date for the aforementioned populations was the date entered into the U.S. 

Effective June 16, 2022, the date of RCA eligibility is the date they entered into the community, which is the date they departed the Safe Haven military base. 

Note:  SIVs, SI CPRs, and SI/SQ individuals who did not travel through a Safe Haven, the date of program eligibility remains as the DOE into the U.S.

The following Call-Outs were released to staff providing policy guidance for Afghans and business processes as a result of lack of system programming: 

Cuban/Haitian Entrants

A Cuban/Haitian Entrant is eligible as long as the following is applicable:

1.     Granted:

a)    Parole status as a Cuban/Haitian Entrant (Status Pending); or

b)    Any other special status subsequently established under the immigration laws for nationals of Cuba or Haiti regardless of the status of the individual at the time assistance or services are provided.

2.     Any other national of Cuba or Haiti;

a)    Who:

Ukrainians

Temporary Policy - Parolees

For a temporary period, Ukrainian arrivals “Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee (UHP), Non-Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee (NUHP), and family members (spouse, children, legal guardians, primary caregivers of Unaccompanied Refugee Minors [URMs] or Unaccompanied Children [UC])” are eligible to federal benefits:

Note:  Federal eligibility begins May 21, 2022, even though an individual has a paroled date between February 24, 2022 and May 20, 2022. 

Reminder: Ukrainian arrivals who have a refugee or asylee status qualify for RCA benefits as they are not considered parolees. 

Eligibility stops:

The following humanitarian parolees are eligible to receive RCA: 

Call-Out #22-88, Eligibility for Humanitarian Parolees from Ukraine, released on August 25, 2022, provides staff policy guidance for Ukrainians and business processes as a result of lack of system programming.

General Relief Eligibility

UHP/NUHP who were paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023, may be potentially eligible to receive General Relief once they exhaust their 12 months of RCA benefits.

Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)

The SAVE Program is a government information service that verifies the immigration status of applicants.

A SAVE request to initiate “Secondary Verification” is generally received for refugees who have not adjusted their status to LPR. Staff should not initiate a G-845S, Document Verification Request (SAVE), for RCA cases unless there is also an application for CalFresh.

Note:  USCIS no longer accepts manual G-845, Verification Request forms. An electronic G-845 is to be submitted to the local USCIS via the SAVE website at https://save.uscis.gov/web/vislogin.aspx. Refer to Call-Out MCP 18-15 Errata Desk Guide – Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) for detailed information.

SAVE is automatically triggered/requested via batch when a new person is added to a case and/or program, and the alien number is entered in the system.

Time-Eligibility for RCA (Refugee/Asylee)

A person considered a refugee/asylee for benefit purposes who has been in the U.S. within 12 months from the DOE or within 12 months from the date asylum was granted is time-eligible for RCA.

Note:  RCA participants will continue to be required to submit a SAR 7, Eligibility Status Report; however, they do not need to complete a Renewal. 

Time-Expired RCA Refugee/Asylee

A person considered a refugee/asylee for benefit purposes who has been in the U.S. more than 12 months following the DOE or has exceeded 12 months from the date asylum was granted. 

Refugee Employment Program (REP)

REP provides employment, educational, and training services to refugees who have been in the U.S. less than 60 months. 

Exception:  REP participants may opt to continue receiving services under REP beyond the 60-month period provided an annual federal waiver is in place and as long as the participant has not attained U.S. citizenship.

Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)

GAIN is the existing Welfare-to-Work (WtW) Program for all CalWORKs participants. Refugees who have been in the U.S. more than 60 months are served by GAIN. Participants in the GAIN Program are enrolled in WtW activities to assist them in obtaining employment and becoming self-sufficient.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a federal program that provides a monthly cash payment to eligible persons who are blind, aged (individuals who are age 65 or older), or disabled.

State Supplementary Payment (SSP)

SSP is a federal program that provides a monthly cash allowance in lieu of food to eligible persons who are blind, aged, or disabled.

CalWORKs Supplemental Security Income Advocacy Program (SSIAP)

SSIAP is a program developed in October 2003, in which DPSS Social Workers/Advocates assist CalWORKs participants with the SSI application process. A contractor assists participants with the appeals process. 

As of March 2021, this program ended and staff must refer potential eligible applicants to the Social Security Administration. 

Resettlement Agencies (RAs)

RAs are agencies who work with the federal government to provide resettlement assistance to refugees. These agencies may include a variety of humanitarian, political, religious, and ethnic organizations who offer help to refugees voluntarily. These organizations or agencies are referred to as RAs.

During the refugee’s first 90 days in the U.S., an RA’s responsibilities are to:

Several refugees apply for aid during the first 90 days in the U.S. either because the refugee chooses not to accept RA assistance or because RA assistance does not meet all of their needs. 

TCVAP

TCVAP provides State-funded cash aid, employment, supportive and health care services to noncitizen victims of a severe form of human trafficking and to noncitizen victims of domestic violence or other serious crimes who are not eligible to RCA or regular CalWORKs. 

Refer to AR 70-100 Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program for detailed information.

Requirement 

Limit/Conditions 

Methods for submitting an RCA application

RCA applications can be submitted by mail, fax, or online via BenefitsCal.

As of March 16, 2020, due to district office closures as a result of COVID-19, interviews can be conducted over the phone in lieu of in-person. Although district offices were reopened, staff can continue to conduct interviews via telephone. 

The SAWS 2 PLUS, Application for CalFresh, Cash Aid, and/or Medi-Cal/Health Care Programs, should be processed according to established procedures.

Non-RCA District Offices

As BenefitsCal is not programmed to support submissions of RCA applications, an RCA application can be submitted as a CalWORKs application on BenefitsCal. 

Upon receipt of the application via BenefitsCal, Eligibility staff will need to evaluate and determine whether the application should be processed as a CalWORKs or RCA application as follows:

RCA District Offices

The RCA application can be mailed or faxed to one of the following RCA District Office locations.

Glendale

Address:  4680 San Fernando Road, Glendale, CA 91204

Fax Number: (818) 546-1244

Metro North

Address:  2601 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90057

Fax Number: (213) 368-7959

El Monte

Address:  3350 Aerojet Avenue, El Monte, CA 91731

Fax Number: (626) 927-9851

South Family

Address:  17600 A Santa Fe Avenue, East Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221

Fax Number: (310) 898-1848

West Valley

Address: 21415-21615 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Fax Number: (818) 576-9527

Determining Time Eligibility and DOE for RCA

RCA

RCA is provided to persons defined as refugees who have been determined to be ineligible for CalWORKs or SSI/SSP and who are within 12 months from the DOE.

DOE

Eligibility for RCA is limited to 12 months based on the refugee’s DOE. The correct DOE must be determined to provide the correct amount of RCA aid payments and to refer refugees to the correct WtW Program.

When it involves a newborn, the month of birth is counted as the first month. 

The month of entry indicated on the USCIS Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is counted as the first month. Exceptions include:

Note:  After the RCA 12-month time expiration period is reached, there may be possible eligibility for CalWORKs or General Relief due to changed circumstances.

A DOE:

Treatment of Income

Income

RCA applicants/participants with income should be treated in the same way as CalWORKs when determining the need and computing the assistance payment.

Exception: The sponsored noncitizen deemed income provisions in the CalWORKs Program do not apply to RCA cases. 

Refer to AR 44-133 Treatment of Income for detailed information.

Reception and Placement Cash

RCA

All reception and placement cash provided by RAs to refugees after their arrival to the U.S. is not counted as income in determining the applicant’s/participant’s eligibility for RCA benefits. RAs provide reception and placement cash to refugees within their first 90 days in the U.S.

CalWORKs

Reception and placement cash is not exempt under the CalWORKs Program and is treated as property. Property is evaluated at the time of application only for RCA cases.

Refer to Procedures Section for additional information.

Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR)

RCA participants are subject to SAR rules, including the submission of a SAR 7.

Refer to AR 44-316.3 Mid-Period Reports and County Actions  and Operations Handbook 23-111 Processing of the QR 7-LA and SAR7 Reports for detailed information.

Resources

Existing real and personal property limitations for CalWORKs must be followed for RCA. However, any resources remaining in the applicant’s country of origin is not considered in determining eligibility. 

Exception: The sponsored noncitizen provisions in the CalWORKs Program must not be applied to RCA cases.

Refer to AR 42-200 Property for detailed information.

Match Grant Program

The Match Grant Program is a four-month program in which Match Grant agencies provide financial aid and services to newly arriving refugees when at least one member of a refugee family is employable. Match Grant agencies in Los Angeles County include, but are not limited to:

·          Jewish Family Services;

·          International Institute of Los Angeles;

·          Catholic Charities; and

·          International Rescue Committee.

1.     Services offered in the Match Grant Program include, but are not limited to, cash aid, housing, and employment assistance;

2.     Match Grant and RCA cannot be received simultaneously. If a refugee is receiving Match Grant funds from an RA or Service Provider, they will generally apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal only. Since Match Grant is generally a four-month cash aid program, typically this population will apply for RCA after four months or after exhausting all Match Grant funds/services; and

3.     Applicants cannot receive Match Grant after receiving RCA.

A Match Grant recipient can be determined by viewing the Match Grant Referral Slip (MGRS) which identifies the applicant as a Match Grant recipient and/or income information can be requested. Generally, the applicant will receive the MGRS from the Match Grant Agency. The applicant can verbally disclose participation in the Match Grant Program if they do not have the MGRS or any other documentation verifying receipt of Match Grant funds. 

RCA District Offices

Currently, there are five designated RCA District Offices that process RCA cases in Los Angeles County. These offices are:

1.     Glendale;

2.     El Monte;

3.     Metro North;

4.     South Family; and

5.     West Valley.  

If an applicant chooses to apply for RCA in a district office that is not a designated RCA District Office, district staff is to inform the applicant that an application can be taken and then transferred to the RCA District Office nearest their home.

RCA Forms

CalWORKs Program forms are to be used for RCA eligibility determination unless alternate forms are approved for use.

There are additional forms specific to RCA cases that should be used as needed. Refer to the Forms Section for a list.

Waiving CalWORKs Deprivation/ Relationship Requirements

Most program requirements (grant level, income, property, and the treatment of income) which apply to CalWORKs also apply to RCA; however, deprivation requirements (i.e., absence, death, disability, or unemployment of a parent) and relationship requirements applicable to the CalWORKs Program are waived under RCA, and aid must be granted without regard to the presence of children, age, or number of hours worked.

Diversion

Refugees are not eligible to Diversion Service payments.

Eligibility for Medi-Cal and CalFresh

RCA families/individuals are eligible to receive Medi-Cal and CalFresh. RCA participants must be informed of their cash-linked Medi-Cal benefits. 

Beginning Date of Aid (BDA)

The BDA for RCA is the date of application, provided the 12-month time limit is not exceeded.   

BDA for Trafficking Victims Transitioning from TCVAP to RCA

The BDA for trafficking victims transitioning from TCVAP to RCA is the first of the month after TCVAP benefits are discontinued. TCVAP benefits should be discontinued with a timely Notice of Action (NOA) and RCA must be approved without a break in aid.

Upon transitioning from TCVAP to RCA, a certification letter issued by ORR should be received by the participant and contains a date of certification which serves as the DOE. An additional 12 months of RCA can be received (with or without a T-Visa) from the date of the certification letter. If the date on the certification letter exceeds 12 months, additional RCA benefits will not be approved.

When the ORR certification letter is received, it is the participant’s responsibility to notify the County of any change in status.  

Social Security Number (SSN) Rules/ Requirements

RCA

RCA participants are exempt from providing an SSN. 

Staff may request that an RCA applicant voluntarily provides their SSN and must: 

1.     Inform the application that the disclosure is voluntary; and

2.     Explain how the CWD intends to use the SSN.

Aid must not be denied based on an RCA participant’s refusal to voluntarily disclose their SSN.

Regular CalWORKs

The SSN requirements apply to Regular CalWORKs (non-TCVAP). However, trafficking victims transferring to Regular CalWORKs (from TCVAP) may not yet have or may not be able to obtain an SSN for work purposes. These individuals should be assisted in obtaining a non-work SSN by providing them with a PA 4013, Non-Work Social Security Number Referral Letter.

TCVAP

TCVAP participants are exempt from providing an SSN.

60-Month Time Clock

RCA participants are not subject to the 60-Month Time Clock for cash aid. They are only eligible for 12 months of RCA from the DOE.

RCA Assistance Units (AU)

RCA AUs can be made up of the following individuals:

URMs

A URM is a person who entered the U.S. unaccompanied with no legal relationship established with an adult and:

A URM is to be referred to CalWORKs Program so that the State/Refugee Programs Bureau can be contacted to:

These provisions also apply to unaccompanied Cuban/Haitian Entrant minors.

Program Hierarchy

Refugees are to be initially evaluated for eligibility to CalWORKs. If there is no eligibility to CalWORKs, the refugee must be evaluated for eligibility to RCA. 

Eligibility for CalWORKs and SSI/SSP Programs

When a refugee applies for public assistance, the refugee must be evaluated for cash aid which includes:

CalWORKs: Refugees/Asylees who qualify for assistance under the CalWORKs Program must be aided under the CalWORKs Program. Those who do not qualify for CalWORKs must have their eligibility determined for RCA.  The refugee has no option as to program preference.

SSI/SSP:  As a condition of eligibility for CalWORKs, all refugees who are aged, blind, or disabled for at least 12 months as determined by their physician must apply for SSI/SSP. 

RCA applicants/participants have the option of applying for SSI/SSP directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA). All disabled RCA applicants/participants determined to be potentially eligible for SSI/SSP are mandated to submit an application and accept SSI/SSP, if the application is approved. If an RCA applicant/participant refuses to apply for SSI/SSP (potentially available income), the RCA application/case is to be denied/discontinued.

RCA applicants/participants who choose to apply directly with SSA must provide written documentation/receipt from SSA that they have applied for SSI/SSP. The verification must be provided within 30 calendar days from the date of referral to SSA.

If…

Then…

U.S. Children Born and Living with both Refugee Parents

They are eligible for cash (CalWORKs or RCA) and medical assistance. They must be included in the parent’s case.

U.S. Children Born to a U.S. Born Citizen Parent and a Refugee Parent, but only resides with the Refugee Parent

The children must be included in the refugee parent’s case to be eligible for cash (CalWORKs or RCA) and medical assistance.

U.S. Children Born and Live with U.S. Born Citizen Parent and Refugee Parent

If the family meets the CalWORKs eligibility requirements, they can all be aided in the CalWORKs case.

If the family does not meet the CalWORKs eligibility requirements, e.g., no deprivation, then only the refugee parent can be aided on the RCA case provided they meet all other RCA eligibility requirements. In this instance, the U.S. citizen parent and child cannot receive RCA.

RS 3, Service Provider Referral/ Notification Form

The RS 3 is used to register the applicant for employment training services.

Service Provider Referral/Notification Form

A completed and stamped RS 3 must be imaged as written evidence that the applicant is registered for an approved employment and educational training program within 30 days of the application for RCA, unless otherwise exempt from participation. The RCA application cannot be approved without the completed RS 3. Because RCA is only a 12-month program, immediate engagement in employment/educational training is required.

Refugees who are 60 years of age and over do not need to complete the RS 3 because they are exempt from work registration. They also do not need to:

If a refugee who is 60 years of age and older volunteers for work registration, the RS 3 needs to be completed since the refugee will be receiving services from a service provider. 

Employment Services

REP vs GAIN

A refugee/asylee participant who has been in the U.S. up to 60 months would be assigned to REP. A refugee participant who has been in the U.S. more than 60 months would be enrolled in the GAIN WtW Program.

RCA Refugees/Asylees Registering for Employment/ Training Services

All RCA applicants/participants are required to register and participate in employment/training services under REP, unless determined to be exempt, as a condition of eligibility.

Exemption from Registering for Employment/

Educational Services

One of the following must apply if a refugee/asylee is to be exempt from registering for employment/educational services:

REP After RCA/CalWORKs Discontinuance

A refugee can continue to receive REP, usually up to 60 months from the DOE, regardless of RCA or CalWORKs discontinuance.

Eligibility for Full-Time Students in an Institution of Higher Learning

Full-Time School Attendance

Full-time students in a college program in an institution of higher education are not eligible for RCA.

However, refugees/asylees who are enrolled and participating in training programs offered at an institution of higher education on a less than full-time basis as part of a plan developed by GAIN are not to be denied or discontinued from RCA when attendance in classes in the program changes to full-time status.

In addition, when an employed RCA participant is a professional in need of professional refresher training and other services to qualify to practice their licensed profession in the U.S., the training may consist of full-time attendance in a college or professional training program provided that the training:

Full-Time Student

A full-time student is a student attending an institution of higher education at least:

An institution of higher learning is a:

Notices

NOAs

NOAs are to be sent to the applicant/participant at least ten days before RCA is reduced, suspended, or discontinued. The written notice should clearly state the:

·       Action that will be taken;

·       Reason(s) for the action;

·       Program(s) which the notice applies to; and

·       Rights to request a hearing.

Discontinuance Notice

When the participant is notified of the case discontinuance due to reaching the time limit on RCA, the:

Aid Payments

Recurring Special Needs Payments

RCA participants are eligible for recurring special needs payments, including pregnancy special needs payments. Aid payments for RCA cases are based on CalWORKs payment standards.

Nonrecurring Special Needs Payments

Refugees/Asylees and T and U-Visa participants are eligible for homeless special needs payments under the CalWORKs Program; they are ineligible to this payment under the RCA Program. 

Nonrecurring special needs allowances do not pay for loss that occurred before a refugee’s arrival in California or an asylee’s asylum date is granted. The assistance is not to replace items of property that were left in a refugee’s country of origin.

Homeless Assistance (HA)

Immediate Need Payments

RCA applicants/participants are not eligible for Immediate Need payments. Where there is an urgent need for assistance, the RCA grant must be issued in an expedited manner within 48 hours provided all eligibility requirements are met.

Overpayment/Underpayment Adjustments and Fraud Referrals

Establishing Claims

CalWORKs policy is to be followed to establish claims for RCA Program cases as follows:

·          Recoupment of overpayments;

·          Correction of underpayments; and

·          Fraud procedures.

RCA time eligibility is 12 months from DOE. If RCA exceeds 12 months, an overpayment will result. All necessary actions must be taken to recoup the RCA overpayment.

Refer to AR 44-350 Overpayments for detailed information. 

Discontinuance of Aid

RCA Discontinuance

The policy for the discontinuance of aid payments to refugees in the RCA Program is the same as in the CalWORKs Program. Other reasons for discontinuance of RCA are as follows:

1.     A sponsor is meeting the full needs of the refugee or refugee family;

2.     A refugee marries a U.S. citizen or other nonrefugee, including a time-expired refugee, who can meet the refugee’s needs;

3.     A refugee becomes time-expired or loses refugee status;

4.     A refugee fails to meet, without “Good Cause,” the registration, employment, and educational/training requirements; or

5.     A refugee fails to meet the provisions of the Child Support Enforcement Program, unless exempt. Given the unique circumstances many families have experienced, applicants/participants must be informed of their right to submit a Good Cause claim for non-cooperation when it is in the best interest of the child.

Example:  Ukraine cannot meet its commitments

to process child support cases for the foreseeable future due to the war.

For more details, refer to 82-500 Child Support Enforcement Program.

Inter-County Transfers

Inter-County Transfer of RCA Cases

CalWORKs regulations are to be applied in RCA Inter-County Transfer cases.

Refer to Office Operations 02-321 Inter-County Transfers for detailed information.

Central American Minors

CAM Program

Refugees

Minors who enter the U.S. through the CAM Program as refugees:

Parolees

Minors who enter the U.S. through the CAM Program as parolees:

Specifically, for CalFresh eligibility, parolees will be eligible for both federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and California Food Assistance Program after five years from the DOE if they meet both of the following:

Other Family Members

Unmarried children under the age of 21 of the qualifying child can be included as derivatives on the DS-7699, Affidavit of Relationship. The parent of the qualifying child who is not the qualifying parent can be included on the request if all of the following conditions are met:

Immigration Status

Policy Description

Types of Verification

Issued by USCIS, but is not limited to:

Par oled as Refugee or Asylee for one year or more – INA Section 212(d)(5)

Persons admitted usually under emergency circumstances.  Parolees not admitted as refugees/asylees and admitted for a specific period are not eligible for benefits. 

Non-Cuban/Haitian Humanitarian/Public Interest Parolees are not eligible to RCA but are eligible to CalWORKs, General Relief, CalFresh and Medi-Cal.

Afghans

For individuals who were not housed in the Safe Havens, examples of verification that can be provided confirming the Afghans eligibility status are outlined within Attachment I. 

Safe Haven Verification

For individuals who arrived at a Safe Haven, staff must use the applicant’s plane ticket, assurance, immigration documentation, or other federal documentation from the military bases to verify they entered into the community. 

Note:  If unable to provide verification of their departure from a Safe Haven, staff may first contact the locally affiliated RAs only if the AHP is unable to obtain documents. 

Verbal/Written attestation may be accepted if all other efforts are unsuccessful as long as verification is obtained within 60 days.

Reference Attachment I. 

Cuban/Haitian- INA Section 501(e)

Examples of verification that can be provided confirming the Cuban/Haitian Entrant nationality and immigration status are outlined within Attachment II; there are four main categories. 

Note: 

1.     ORR benefits must continue to be issued even though the I-94 inaccurately states the following:

“This form does not convey authorization to receive any type of public benefit.”

2.     Some Cuban parolees may have a non-Cuban spouse/children who do not meet the definition of Cuban/Haitian Entrant. These individuals are not eligible unless they have another qualifying status that is not Cuban/Haitian Entrant.

Refer to Attachment II.

Ukrainians

Examples of verification that can be provided confirming the Ukrainians eligibility status are outlined within Attachment III.

Reference Attachment III. 

Refugee – INA Section 207

Persons admitted into the U.S. because of fear of persecution in their own country.

Asylee – INA Section 208, 208a

Person who meets the requirements for refugee status but are already present in the U.S. and have been granted asylum. 

Note:  Applicants awaiting asylum (pending approval) are not eligible for benefits.

Certified Trafficking Victim/T-Visa Approved

Victims of trafficking that have been certified by ORR.

Derivatives

Eligible family members of a victim of a severe form of trafficking certified by ORR.

Trafficking victims must provide proof that ORR certification has been obtained. 

Note:   Trafficking victims not yet certified are not eligible to federal RCA benefits.  These individuals are eligible to TCVAP benefits provided all other eligibility requirements are met. 

Derivatives

T-Visa or approval letter notice (form I-797a) with code T-2, T-3, T-4, or T-5.

Amerasian

Southeast Asian children fathered by U.S. citizens and born in Southeast Asia. Spouses, children, parents, or guardians may accompany the immigrating Amerasian.

LPR

Noncitizens who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence by USCIS provided the individual previously held one of the statuses identified above.  Also, known as “Permanent Resident Alien,” “Resident Alien Permit Holder,” and “Green Card Holder.”

Conditional Entrants – INA Section 203

Primary method of entry for refugees from 1965 to 1980 (abolished in 1980).

Withholding of Deportation/ Cancellation of Removal – INA Section 243(h), 241(b)(3)

Persons who prove they would be persecuted if returned to their country. This status does not lead to permanent residence.

Document Types

I-94, Arrival/ Departure Record

Refugees, like all other legal noncitizens, are required to provide documentation of their immigration status. An I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, is issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refugees/asylees as verification of immigration status. The I-94 is usually issued upon arrival to the U.S.

Refugees’ verification of immigration status can also include the letter granting asylum, order of an immigration judge granting asylum, or a passport with an “asylee” designation. 

The I-94 form is the Arrival/Departure Record and is in either paper or electronic format which is issued by a CBP Officer to foreign and/or non-U.S. citizen visitors entering the U.S. After April 20, 2013, most Arrival/Departure records have been created electronically upon arrival. Instead of a paper form, the visitor is given an annotated stamp in the foreign passport.

If a paper form is given, the I-94 is attached to the visitor’s passport and the departure date is stamped on the form.

The I-94 contains information that is used to determine the:

1.     Applicant’s eligibility for RCA benefits; and

2.     Number of months the applicant can receive aid.

Both sides of the I-94 are to be photocopied and reviewed to ensure that all copied information captured is legible before imaging.

Paper Format – I-94 – Front

Paper Format – I-94 - Back

Electronic I-94

I-551, Permanent Resident Card

A Permanent Resident Card is issued to refugees who are eligible to adjust their status to permanent resident within one year of the DOE.

Stamped Passport

Upon arrival, a CBP Officer stamps the travel document of each arriving non-immigrant traveler with the admission date, the class of admission, and the length of time the non-immigrant is allowed to travel. 

I-766, Employment Authorization Document

Refugees who are not yet a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident may be eligible for employment authorization and may have an I-766, Employment Authorization Document.

The front of the card contains a photo, fingerprint and signature of the rightful holder. The reverse contains a standard bar code, magnetic strip, and a two-dimensional bar code which will contain unique card, biographic and biometric data. The DOE does not appear on the I-766.

I-688B, Employment Authorization Document, formerly issued by USCIS to noncitizens is no longer issued effective October 1, 2006.

Employment Authorization Document – Front

Employment Authorization Document – Back

N-550 Certification of Naturalization

When a participant provides proof that an aided household member becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen, this status must be updated within the case immediately.

Persons who become naturalized U.S. citizens will have an N-550. A replacement certification (N-550) issued by USCIS is needed if the original N-550 is lost or destroyed.