Refugee Support: Resettlement, Benefits & Language Access

KBA 1 — Refugee Support: Initial Arrival and Resettlement Services

Title: Refugee Support: Resettlement, Benefits & Language Access

Q&A

“I’m a newly arrived refugee. Who helps me get started in Minnesota?”

Local resettlement agencies provide the first level of support through Initial Reception and Placement Services. They help with the essentials during the first 30–90 days after arrival.

They typically assist with:

• Short-term housing and food
• Cultural orientation
• Applying for benefits
• Enrolling adults into ESL and employment services
• Connecting people to other community or specialized resources

You can find a list of Minnesota resettlement agencies here:
Resettlement Programs Office Agency Contract List (DHS)
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/agency-contracts

“How do I find my local resettlement agency?”

Ask where the person currently lives. Then check the statewide list of providers:
Resettlement Programs Office Agency Contract List
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/agency-contracts

If they have not connected with an agency, encourage them to reach out immediately for support with benefits, employment services, and orientation.

“I don’t have my immigration paperwork. What should I do?”

Some refugees arrive without complete documentation due to urgent circumstances. Help them connect with:

• Their local resettlement agency, or
• The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM): https://www.ilcm.org

These organizations assist with replacing or verifying immigration documents.

“Do you have resources in my language?”

Yes. Minnesota DHS provides materials in many languages:
Library of translated resources
https://mn.gov/dhs/general-public/languages

If you need an interpreter on a call or chat, follow the Hub’s Language Line procedure.

Internal Notes (Hub Staff Only)

• Use Language Line according to MCIL or SEMCIL job aids.
• Common languages: Spanish, Hmong, Oromo, Somali, German, Vietnamese, Dari, Pashto.
• Always document the caller’s immigration status as “reported by caller.” Do not guess or assume.
• Direct all formal resettlement or immigration legal support to official providers (never advise on immigration law).

KBA 2 — Refugee Support: Cash, Health Care & Employment Programs

Title: Refugee Support: RCA, RMA & Refugee Employment Services
Purpose:
Help Hub staff answer questions about Minnesota’s refugee-specific cash, health care, and employment programs and how to connect callers to the correct agency.

Q&A

“Can I get financial help as a new refugee?”

Possibly. Refugees who are not eligible for MFIP or SSI may qualify for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) for up to 8 months after arriving in the U.S.

RCA is managed directly by resettlement agencies.
To apply, the person must contact the resettlement agency that assisted them.
Program info:
Refugee Cash Assistance (DHS)
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/cash-assistance

“What health care can I get when I first arrive?”

Refugees may qualify for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) for their first 8 months in the U.S. if they are not eligible for Medical Assistance (MA).

Key points:

• RCA recipients are automatically eligible for RMA (if not MA-eligible).
• Income increases do not end RMA before the 8-month period expires.
• RMA is administered by DHS’ Resettlement Programs Office but applications go through the local resettlement agency.

Program info:
Refugee Medical Assistance (DHS)
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/medical-assistance

“How do I get help finding a job?”

Minnesota funds Refugee Employment Services (RES)—a culturally responsive employment program offering:

• Job readiness and soft-skills classes
• Resume and interviewing help
• Job search and job placement
• 90-day follow-up after employment

RCA recipients must enroll in RES within 30 days of approval unless exempt.

RES is not available in all Minnesota regions. People should contact their local resettlement agency to check availability and enroll.
Program info:
Refugee Employment Services
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/employment-services

Internal Notes (Hub Staff Only)

• Do not refer callers to county or tribal agencies for RCA/RMA—applications go through resettlement agencies.
• RCA/RMA and RES providers vary by county; always confirm the caller’s location.
• If someone appears eligible for MA or MinnesotaCare, follow standard Hub processes for health care eligibility supports.
• Do not make determinations—only provide education and referrals.

Tags

Refugee; RCA; RMA; Employment; Benefits; Health Care; Financial Help

KBA 3 — Refugee Support: Language Access, Hotlines & Community Resources

Title: Refugee Support: Language Access & Community Resources
Purpose:
Guide Hub staff in supporting refugees who need interpreters, multilingual materials, or additional help beyond initial resettlement services.

Q&A

“Is there a phone number for general help for refugees?”

Yes. The DHS Refugee & Immigrant Helpline provides support and connections to local services.
Helpline information:
Refugee & Immigrant Helpline (DHS-7587HA)
https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement/helpline

“I’m a refugee but I’m not working with a resettlement agency anymore. Where can I get help?”

You can still access statewide refugee resources, including:

• Resettlement Programs Office
  https://mn.gov/dhs/refugee-resettlement
• Resources in multiple languages
  https://mn.gov/dhs/general-public/languages
• Local community organizations (ESL, job programs, legal assistance)
• Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) for legal questions
  https://www.ilcm.org

Staff should encourage the caller to reconnect with their resettlement agency when possible.

“Do refugees get the same benefits as other Minnesotans?”

Eligibility varies by program. Many refugees qualify for the same public benefits as other Minnesota residents once they meet standard criteria. Resettlement agencies help with early applications and orientation.

Internal Notes (Hub Staff Only)

• Always clarify what the caller is asking for—resettlement issues, legal immigration concerns, health care, cash help, employment, or general community support.
• Use the Helpline for general questions if the caller needs broader refugee services support.
• Document interpreter use and caller’s stated language in CRM.
• Never provide immigration legal advice—refer to ILCM or the resettlement agency.

Tags

Refugee; Language Access; Community Resources; Helpline; Interpretation