Finanzielle und soziale Unterstützung für Ukrainer in den Vereinigten Staaten: Welche Hilfe können Flüchtlinge 2024 erhalten? (aktualisiert)

Viele Länder leisten weiterhin Unterstützung für Flüchtlinge aus der Ukraine. Die Vereinigten Staaten sind da keine Ausnahme. Das Land wird weiterhin Ukrainer aufnehmen und ihnen Schutz im Rahmen des Programms "Uniting for Ukraine" bieten. Neben dem Aufenthaltsrecht können ukrainische Staatsbürger von sozialer Unterstützung profitieren. Erfahren Sie mehr über die verfügbaren Programme

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In 2024, the US will continue to support Ukrainians who moved to the country after the start of the full-scale invasion. In particular, the country will continue to accept refugees and provide them with protection under the Uniting for Ukraine program. Also, the US Ministry of National Security decided to extend the terms of stay of refugees from Ukraine under humanitarian passwords.

The advantage is that, in addition to the right to live in America, a number of social support programs for refugees have been approved.

What assistance can Ukrainians in the USA receive in 2024? We talk about the main programs below.

What categories of Ukrainians are entitled to state aid in the USA in 2024?

Currently, Ukrainians who are in the US on a humanitarian passport without income or with low income are entitled to state assistance, provided that they arrived between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023.

This list includes persons who:

- received a password at the Mexican border;

- registered at the Canadian border;

- arrived under the Uniting for Ukraine program;

- are entitled to federal benefits to the same extent as refugees.

Ukrainians who are on a humanitarian pass with no income or with low income, but who arrived after September 30, 2023, are generally not eligible for federal aid and settlement services.

However, some states provide some assistance to refugees, including Ukrainians who arrived under the Uniting for Ukraine program, regardless of the date of arrival. You can find out more about the help you can get in your state by following the link.

What benefits can Ukrainians in the USA receive in 2024?

The program to support Ukrainians in the USA in 2024 includes:

● Free public health insurance Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Medicaid is publicly funded health insurance for low-income individuals and families. It is provided only to certain categories of people (families with children, pregnant women, the elderly or disabled) in 9 states - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming.

Ukrainians who live in one of these states and do not qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) coverage within the first 12 months after your arrival in the United States.

- What does Medicaid and RMA cover?

Insurance policies cover all necessary medical services, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, emergency care, treatment of chronic conditions, hospitalization and prescription drugs, dental coverage (depending on the state). Also, Medicaid and RMA can retroactively cover up to 3 months of past medical expenses.

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● Money for food under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program

SNAP, or CalFresh in California, is a program that provides refugees with money for food. A Ukrainian is issued an EBT debit card, which receives money every month. It can only be used to buy food. It is impossible to withdraw cash.

- How much money can you get from SNAP?

In 2024, Ukrainians will be able to receive a maximum of $291 per person, $535 per family of two and $766 per family of three.

If you have certain income or assets, or receive cash assistance, your SNAP amount may be less.

● Cash assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (aka CalWORKs in California)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is financial support for families with minor children and pregnant women.

The special feature of this program is that it is temporary, payments are received until you find the next job and become self-sufficient again. The state also usually encourages you to actively look for work, attend a school that will help you get a job, or otherwise participate in activities that promote employment.

Women with a newborn baby or if you are caring for a family member with a disability can get an exemption from this requirement.

- How much is paid under the TANF program?

The amount of cash you can get from TANF depends on your state and the size of your family.

You can receive TANF money by check, EBT card, or by direct deposit to a bank account.

● Financial support Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a support program for single people and couples without minor children. That is, for individuals who are not eligible for TANF. Pay RCA within 12 months of arrival.

Like TANF, the RCA program is designed to promote employment. Once your aid is approved, Social Services will usually refer you to a local adjustment and resettlement agency that can help you find your first job in the US.

- How much is paid under the RCA program?

The amount of cash you can get under RCA varies by state.

● Money under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program

SSI provides financial assistance to people age 65 and older or with disabilities. You can apply for SSI at a Social Security Administration office. You will need your passport, I-94, and social security number.

- How much can I get from Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

In 2023, the maximum federal monthly SSI amount was $943 per individual, or $1,415 per couple if both spouses are eligible. Some states pay additional amounts from their own budget.

We will remind you that we have already told you that pensioners from Ukraine who arrived in the USA after the start of a full-scale war will be able to receive the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) state pension.

● Women, Infants and Children Aid (WIC) program

Under the WIC program, poor pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of five can receive support in the United States. Assistance includes the provision of healthy food and access to medical examinations.

Also, in addition to the above-mentioned support, Ukrainians in the USA can receive help with housing, processing immigration documents, and employment.

During what period can you get help?

In most cases, assistance is provided for the duration of the humanitarian password as long as the applicant meets the income criteria provided by the assistance programs.

Importantly! If a Ukrainian entered the US under a humanitarian password and later received TPS status, he will not lose his financial assistance due to the change of status and will continue to receive assistance until the humanitarian password expires.

Where can I make payments?

You must apply for basic benefits such as Medicaid/RMA, SNAP, TANF, and RCA through your county welfare agency.

List of documents for obtaining financial assistance in the USA

To pass an interview at the social service, you must have the following package of documents:

- Passport.

- Form I-94 (if you did not receive a Form I-94 at the border, you can print it online).

- Proof of residence in the selected state (any official letter stating your name and address: a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement or a letter from the owner of the house stating that you live there, etc.).

- Social Security number (if you don't have one, bring proof that you applied for one, such as a receipt from the Social Security Administration or a copy of Form I-765 with a notice confirming its acceptance by USCIS).

Detailed instructions on how to obtain a permit to enter the United States under the Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) program in 2024 are available at the link.

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