Page 974

Department Responsibilities Although the refugee household is eligible for cash assistance for an eight month period, a regular redetermination of eligibility must be completed on each financial assistance case after six months. Upon determination that the amount of the RCA payment will be changed or that the refugee is no longer eligible for financial assistance, State Operations will notify the refugee in writing of this change. ELIGIBILITY FACTORS - FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The financial assistance program for refugees is intended to provide temporary assistance when the sponsor is unable to meet all the needs of the refugee until the refugee (1) is able to find employment and become self-supporting or (2) receives financial assistance through the regular TANF or SSI programs. The same criteria for technical eligibility in TANF apply to applicants for refugee assistance, with the exceptions of deprivation and specified degree of relationship. Children in the refugee household do not have to be deprived of a parent or be living with a specified relative in order to receive refugee assistance. Single individuals applying for refugee assistance may be eligible for benefits by meeting all other eligibility factors. Residence The refugee/refugee household must reside in the state of Mississippi with the intent to remain here. Children s residence is determined by the parent or the adult responsible for them.

Age/Relationship Age and relationship may be verified by using the I-94 or other documents in the refugee s possession which reflect age and relationship and appear reasonable under the circumstances. When the refugee has no written record of any kind to use as a support document, the refugee s statement regarding family relationship should be accepted unless there is reason to doubt the validity of such a declaration. Financial Need All income and resources available to the refugee family group must be considered and measured against the standards for financial need which are applicable to the TANF program. Income and resources that may be available from the refugee s sponsor or sponsoring agency must be considered and documented.

MISSISSIPPI [ REFUGEE PROGRAM: GENERAL ]

Revised 04 - 01 - 06 12 - 01 - 17 Volume III | Chapter 16 16002