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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 15

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 64 Chapter 15 Noncitizens, Refugees, and Citizenship

15.8 REFUGEE AND ASYLEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 15.8.1 INTRODUCTION The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program and the Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) program provide cash and medical assistance to all eligible refugees, regardless of nationality. Refugees who have an eligibility date before May 5th, 2025, are allotted a 12-month period of eligibility. Refugees who have an eligibility date on or after May 5th, 2025, are allotted a 4-month period of eligibility. For example, if a Refugee enters the U.S. on June 1st, 2025, and applies for RCA/RMA benefits on August 1st, 2025, the benefit may only be received for 2 months. The term “eligibility date” differs for each of the ORR eligible populations. • Refugees - the date of eligibility is the date of entry into the U.S. • Afghan Parolees - the date of eligibility is the date they arrived in their resettlement community/final destination after departing the Safe Haven. (This date can be verified by the Resettlement Agency). • Asylees – they are eligible to access RCA/RMA beginning on the date they are granted asylum. (second paragraph is this section). 15.8.2 ASYLEE ELIGIBILITY SCREENING All immigrants who have been granted asylum status will have in their possession United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) documentation that shows proof of asylum status and the date asylum was granted. NOTE: It is a federal requirement that the State pursue reimbursement for RCA payments from the sponsor of a Refugee. This is not to be confused with the repayment/recoupment process which is initiated at the local office level.