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18.2.5.1 Reception & Placement (R&P) Grant
18.2.5.2 “Match Grant” Income and Services
When a refugee first enters the country, s/he may be eligible for certain federal assistance grants which provide initial federal resettlement support services and funds.
Reception & Placement (R&P) assistance are “one time” payments to refugees during the first 30 days after arrival to the US. The payments are made by the VOLAG on the refugee’s behalf to pay expenses (rent and household items) or issued directly to the refugees. The amount can be up to $400 per person. These payments can be verified by contacting the VOLAG.
R&P Treatment for Programs:
· FS - Any cash payment received directly by the refugee would be considered non-recurring lump sum payments, and treated as an asset from the date of receipt (FSHB App. 12.02.11).
· CC/MA/RCA/RMA/W-2 – This payment is disregarded. Agencies must not count it in determining financial eligibility, but document it in case comments.
Currently, “Match Grant” benefits are available only to refugees in the Milwaukee and Sheboygan areas. They will be issued by the VOLAG. The Match Grant combines federal funding with matching VOLAG funds which can be used to support refugees in the manner in which the VOLAG determines. These payments can be provided up to 120 days after entry and can be extended up to 180 days in certain cases. The amount of cash received per month from this program can vary per refugee. The VOLAG will need to be contacted to verify participation and any monthly cash income amount received by the refugee.
“Match Grant” Treatment for Programs:
· FS/MA/RMA/CC - Count income actually received by refugee as unearned income.
· W-2/RCA - Refugees who receive cash income or services under the “Match Grant” program are not eligible for W-2 or RCA programs during the same period.
This page last updated in Release # 04-02
Release Date: 11/30/04
Effective Date: 11/30/04