State Benefits Available to Refugees
New York State
Refugee registration that is normally done at an office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or U.S. Embassy before arrival in the U.S. is sufficient, and New York State does not require refugees to complete any additional registration on any state-specific form. As soon after arrival in the U.S. as possible, refugees should apply for state-administered benefits programs for which they are likely to qualify. These are essential (but limited) benefits that will assist you while you adjust to life in the U.S. It is important to note that most of these benefits programs have specific requirements and specific lengths of time for which they will provide support. But you should apply as soon as possible.
The list below has been compiled to help you navigate the requirements of each program. At the links listed, you will find general information explaining the benefits, and instructions and forms concerning how to apply for them. Some of this information is available in Arabic as well. If you have questions, do not hesitate to email Rosemary Nuri (rosemary@iraqirac.org) or Maura Stephens (maura@iraqirac.org) if you have difficulty receiving a complete explanation from your case worker.
Statewide general information about all these benefits, the status of your application, or questions about eligibility is available at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). The initial application forms and instructions (as PDF documents) as well as the recertification forms and instructions for statewide benefits are available in both English and Arabic.
- English initial application forms; English recertification forms
- English initial application instructions; English recertification instructions
- Arabic initial application forms; Arabic recertification forms
- Arabic initial application instructions; Arabic recertification instructions.
Brief Program Descriptions:
Food stamps are a book of coupons in different denominations issued to you monthly to help with paying for food. They cannot be used for any other needs besides food items. The food stamps application is available in English and in Arabic. The instructions are also available in English and in Arabic.
The Women, Infants, Children (WIC) program is a supplemental nutrition program for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children. Benefits are provided in the form of WIC checks that list the specific foods and quantities that are obtainable and include milk, juice, eggs, cereal, and infant formula, among other healthful foods.
Free or reduced rate School Breakfast and Lunch Meals is a federal program providing free, reduced-price, or full-priced breakfast and lunch at participating schools throughout New York State. The meals are the same for all children regardless of payment category, and schools are not permitted to identify students who get free or reduced-price meals.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income families and individuals pay the cost of electricity, propane, natural gas, wood, oil, kerosene, coal, or any other heating fuel to heat their homes. A PDF application for HEAP is available online as well.
The Earned Income Tax Credits are credits on income taxes for low-income persons and families. It means that federal taxes on your income will be decreased by the amount you qualify for.
The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is another type of tax credit you may qualify for if you pay for a member of your family to be cared for while you are working.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Services Certification is also a program supporting low-income families. It is a federal government-funded program that is administered through grants to the states. This site gives you information about the program, and you can apply online for TANF Services Certification
You may have need of the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program to assist you with the costs of medication for any elderly member(s) of your household, or you may need to apply to extend assistance beyond your eligibility period by filing a Safety Net Assistance (SNA) Application Supplement. Finally, you may be in need of the assistance of Child Support Services if you are the custodial parent of a minor child and have not been receiving mandated child support from the noncustodial parent.
For help in finding a job, contact the New York State Department of Labor. You can also find other helpful links on the Department of Labor site to other agencies and locations around the state that help in job-hunting.
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