Q: Is the basic living assistance provided for the first 30 days also a loan?
A: No. The Reception and Placement Program of the U.S. Department of State provides a one-time grant of $425 (currently) per person to the resettlement agency. This money is to be used to provide for basic needs during the first month of arrival. This money may be given in part or in total to the SIV or be used by the agency to provide necessary items, including rent. This money is not a loan and does not have to be paid back.
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Q: What type of housing assistance is offered? Will I be required to live with other immigrants in the same building?
A: Housing varies from one location to another. In general, the housing provided is a modest apartment furnished with items that have been donated by other members of the local community. It is quite common for the apartment buildings in which refugees are placed to house a wide variety of people representing diverse races and ethnicities, cultures, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Q: What are the repayment conditions of the travel loan and what is the interest rate incurred?
A: After arriving in the United States, the recipient has 42 months to repay this interest free loan. Repayment of the loan generally begins within six months after arrival. The recipient should repay the loan in monthly payments set forth in the loan note. The monthly payments should be sent to the voluntary agency designated on the loan note. The voluntary agency then reimburses IOM to make the funds available for others seeking resettlement. Repaying the travel loan promptly contributes to the future of the travel loan program, helps the refugee to establish a good credit rating in the United States, and avoids having the loan returned to IOM or the Department of State for further collection action.
Q: If I choose not to participate in resettlement benefits, can I apply for a social security card at any office without assistance?
A: You may apply for a social security card at a Social Security Administration Field Office without assistance. Please click here to find the Social Security Administration Field Office that is closest to you.
Q: If I choose not to participate in the resettlement benefits, will I be allowed to visit any local doctor for treatment under HHS/ORR program services?
A: No. You must apply and be found eligible for ORR-funded medical benefits, called Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) in order to have ORR pay for medical treatment.
Q: How long does it take to receive assistance from ORR upon arrival in the US?
A: Application processing times vary from State to State. All ORR benefits are accessed by applying for benefits in the State in which you are residing. ORR will provide a contact in your State of residence who can assist you with information about where to apply for ORR benefits.
Q: Can I apply for HHS/ORR benefits and services as soon as I arrive in the United States?
A: Yes. You should apply for HHS/ORR-funded benefits and services as soon as you arrive in the U.S. because your eligibility is time-limited by law.
Q: I would like to be resettled in XX city/state. What should I do?
A: SIV recipients may designate a resettlement preference on the SIV Biodata Form under Section D “U.S. Ties”. However, unless the applicant is joining close family members, it is not always be possible to honor the applicant’s resettlement location preference. Please note that only cases with close family ties are currently being resettled in Detroit. Placements are restricted to the following relationships: spouse, father, mother, sibling, children, and grandparents. A child (under the age of 18) traveling alone with no other relatives in the U.S. may also be placed there.
Q: How will I know which agency is responsible for providing services?
A: If an applicant chooses to receive Department of State-funded Reception and Placement services by submitting a scanned, signed copy of the Resettlement Benefits Election Form to the National Visa Center no later than 10 days after the visa issuance date,, his/her case will be assigned to a resettlement agency before departure for the U.S. Prior to departure, the Refugee Processing Center (RPC) will provide him or her with an Assurance Form indicating the final destination and the affiliate office which will provide services upon arrival.
Q: Is there anyone I can contact to find out more about SIV benefits and post-arrival services?
A: Additional questions regarding the SIV benefits program and post-arrival services should be directed to the Refugee Processing Center, at
SIV@wrapsnet.org.
Who are the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Agencies providing Reception and Placement services?
Church World Service (CWS)
www.churchworldservice.orgEpiscopal Migration Ministries (EMM)
www.episcopalchurch.org/emm/Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)
www.ecdcinternational.orgHebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS)
www.hias.orgBureau of Refugee Programs
Iowa Department of Human Services
www.dhs.state.ia.us/homepages/dhs/refugeeInternational Rescue Committee (IRC)
www.theirc.orgLutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS)
www.lirs.orgU.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
www.refugees.orgUnited States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org/mrsWorld Relief (WR)
www.wr.orgQ: What does the Reception and Placement program offer that an American friend/colleague cannot?
A: Local resettlement agencies offer a great deal of experience and knowledge in assisting newcomers to adjust to their local communities. In many cases they are multi-service agencies that can assist clients in easily accessing local programs and resources. They are experienced in partnering with friends and relatives to support resettlement and aid clients as needed and appropriate. They can also serve as a safety net to provide additional support to newcomers should unforeseen circumstances make the burdens of assisting with resettlement too difficult.
