Refugee Cash Assistance
Refuge Cash Assistance is a need-based cash benefit for refugees who are not eligible for other cash assistance programs or have applications pending. It is a short-term benefit, available to refugees during their first eight months in the U.S.
NONCITIZENS: Refugee Cash Assistance is for low-income noncitizens who meet the requirements of the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP). You must have immigration documents that prove you are a refugee, asylee, Amerasian, or Cuban/Haitian Entrant. You must have been in the U.S. 8 months or less or been granted eligible status no more than 8 months ago. You must meet income limits.
Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
EAEDC provides cash and medical assistance to low-income elders, disabled and children who do not qualify for other cash assistance programs.
NONCITIZENS: Eligibility depends on immigration status. Proof of immigration status is required. You must have a Social Security number or apply for one. PRUCOL noncitizens can get EAEDC. Undocumented noncitizens are not eligible.
Sponsor deeming is not used to determine financial eligibility.
Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program
The Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP) is a program to help newly arrived refugees become self-sufficient. The program’s main goal is to help refugees get jobs and learn English, so they can support themselves as soon as possible. The Massachusetts Office of Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) is the state agency in charge of this program. Voluntary resettlement agencies (VOLAGs) provide the resettlement services.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program, you must be a refugee, asylee, Amerasian, or Cuban/Haitian entrant; a resident of Massachusetts; and you must meet the time-limit requirements. There are also income limits for Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance.
What benefits will I get?
All refugees taking part in the MRRP get case management services and employment services, including English language instruction if needed. Some refugees also get Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance. Many refugees qualify for public benefits such as TAFDC or SSI cash assistance, housing assistance, food stamps, fuel and utility assistance, child care, and MassHealth. To get MRRP benefits, refugees must abide by the rules of the program.
How do I apply?
To apply for the MRRP, you should contact the VOLAG (voluntary resettlement agency) nearest you or call the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) at 617-727-7888. Asylees may call the Asylee Information Hotline at 1-800-354-0365.
Multicultural and Interpereter Services
Department of Mental Health Central Office
Office of Multicultural Affairs
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-8000
DMH Funded. Interpereter services and sign language services are avaliable through the DMH centeral office. Services are accessed through DMH case managers.
Ethiopian/Eritrean
Ethiopian Adbar Woman's Alliance
(617) 234-8981
Ethiopian Community Manual Assistance Association
(617) 492-4232
Haitian Keryol
Hatian Services
(617) 349-6351
Portugese
Mass Association of Portugese Speakers (MAPS)
(617) 628-6065
Spanish
Cantro Presente
(617) 497-9080
Services include youth programs, adult education, communuity education and development. Legal immigration and translation services for spanish speakers.
Concilio Hispano
(617) 661-9406