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COMBINED MANUAL
ISSUE DATE 12/2016
THE MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
0029.39
The Matching Grant (MG) program is a federal program funded through the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and administered by local resettlement agencies.
The MG program is focused on early self-sufficiency
The MG program is an alternative to cash assistance, supporting participants to attain self-sufficiency within 180 days (6 months) of arrival in the United States.
MG participants ARE NOT eligible to apply for cash assistance programs, and cannot receive MFIP, RCA , SSI or any other cash assistance while enrolled in MG.
MG participants ARE eligible to apply for other types of assistance, such as SNAP and Medical Assistance benefits.
Local resettlement agencies will assist participants to fill out the Combined Application Form (CAF) applying for FOOD only.
If MG participants apply for and receive other cash assistance, they become ineligible for MG, and lose all the additional support MG provides.
Only persons with the following non-citizen status are eligible for the MG program:
● Refugees.
● Iraqi and Afghani Special Immigrants (SIV’s).
● Asylees.
● Cuban and Haitian Entrants.
● Amerasians.
● Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking.
Local resettlement agencies, under contract with their national Resettlement Agency Headquarters and ORR, administer and implement the MG program. Local resettlement agencies are not required to offer this program. Local resettlement agencies currently offering the MG program in Minnesota are:
● International Institute of Minnesota.
● Minnesota Council of Churches.
● Catholic Charities Winona Diocese.
The MG program design and implementation may vary by agency, but the following supports are provided to all MG participants for up to 6 months, or until the household becomes self-sufficient, whichever is earlier:
● Intensive employment supports.
● Case management supports.
● Financial supports, including: - Monthly cash allowance. - Housing and utility assistance. - Transportation assistance for work-related activity. - Assistance with employment-related expenses, such as work clothing or shoes.