Applying for Benefits
What you will find in this section:
As a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee, you are eligible for many government benefits
Use resettlement agencies to get personalized help obtaining benefits
When you apply for benefits, have your documents ready
How to apply (general guidance)
Income requirements
Summary of benefits available to you
As a Ukrainian humanitarian parolee, you are eligible for many government benefits
We’ve put together a list of benefits and explanations to help you navigate available options. We’ve broken them down as the following:
Before you explore relevant categories, please read the notes below on nonprofits that can help you fill out paperwork and assist with other necessary steps.
Use resettlement agencies to get personalized help obtaining benefits
In the US, there are nonprofit organizations that help new immigrants like yourself figure out their first steps in the country. They are called Resettlement Agencies and their services are free to you. People who work at these organizations will explain what assistance is available in your state and help you to apply for it.
We have combined a list of resettlement agencies in key destination states. For states that are not on the Svitlo website, you can look in this government database. Please filter for your state.
Ideally, your sponsor will be able to get in contact with a local Refugee Resettlement Agency even before you arrive and make an appointment for you for about a week after your arrival.
If you do not have an active sponsor, or they are not able to contact a Refugee Resettlement Agency, you will have to do it on your own.
You can make an appointment over the phone/email, but in many cases, you can also show up at the agency without one. Resettlement agencies are very much used to dealing with people who don’t speak English, so when calling or talking in person, don’t be afraid to ask for an interpreter. And, of course, Google Translate is always an option too.
When you apply for benefits, have your documents ready
Documents you may need to attach to your application:
Copy of all passports with the UHP (Ukrainian Humanitarian Parole) stamp for each family member
A printed copy of form I-94 for each family member
Social Security Number (SSN) for each family member, or proof that they’ve applied for SSNs
Proof of residence
The last item (proof of residence) is important as benefits are administered on the COUNTY level, so the social services will need to know exactly where you live. Know your county.
If you are staying with a host, friends, or family, please ask them to write you a letter of support that includes the following information: “The [your last name] family is residing with me at [address]” with their name, phone, and signature.
There is no need to notarize any of the copies or the proof of residence letter.
How to apply (general guidance)
Ideally, you will be able to apply for health insurance (Medicaid), food assistance (SNAP), and cash assistance (TANF/ RCA) by submitting just one application. This is possible in states like CA. If this option is not available in your state, the resettlement agencies or your state’s Department of Social Services should be able to inform you where and how you can apply for these benefits. In most cases, it can be done online, but sometimes only paper applications are accepted.
Income requirements
Benefits in the US are primarily for those with no/low income. As a new immigrant, you will most likely not have any income and therefore ARE eligible for benefits. However, when you start working and your income changes, please make sure to provide the benefits-granting agencies with timely updates.
IMPORTANT: Please do not include your sponsor’s income in the benefits application. You are not considered as your supporter’s dependent even if you are their relative and you live together (unless your supporter is your spouse). You are their guest, so their income does not count towards yours.
Summary of benefits available to you
Medicaid (Health)
Low-income individuals and families
Refugee Medical Assistance (Health)
Low-income refugees or humanitarian parolees ineligible for Medicaid (see below)
TANF and RCA (Cash)
Families with children under 18 for TANF; Individuals and couples without children for RCA
Matching Grant (Cash)
Refugees and parolees who have arrived within 12 months of the US
SNAP (Food)
Low-income individuals and families whose income falls below a certain threshold (varies by state)
WIC (Food)
Pregnant women
New mothers
Children up to the age of 5