**  Important Announcement  **

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) benefits are being extended if your immigration status was granted on or after April 1, 2019.  You may also be eligible for retroactive benefits.  If you received RCA in the past, and meet the qualifying immigration status requirement, you will soon be receiving a Special Mailing Notice from DSS.  If you choose to reapply for RCA following the instructions in the notice, DSS will determine whether you are eligible for reinstatement of this benefit.

 

The Office of Community Services of the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for disbursing federal funds related to the resettlement of refugees in Connecticut.  Refugees are assigned by the U.S. State Department to local affiliates of national voluntary resettlement agencies in Connecticut.  DSS disburses federal refugee assistance program funds, administers refugee cash and medical assistance programs and monitors resettlement activity for individuals who qualify as refugees under international law.  A refugee can request to become a legal permanent resident after one-year residence in the U.S. and can apply for U.S. citizenship five years after their date of entry to the U.S.

 

DSS regional offices administer the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) programs for refugees for up to eight months from their date of entry to the U.S.  DSS also provides refugees with temporary family assistance/cash assistance, medical coverage and food stamp assistance under those public assistance programs since refugees qualify as legal non-citizens.

 

The State contracts with the following agencies to provide resettlement services including case management, employment assistance, and additional supportive services to refugees:

 

The following are the total number of new refugee arrivals to Connecticut for the corresponding federal fiscal years (October 1 through September 30):