Repatriate FAQs

If you are overseas and in need of emergency assistance contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Please review the Department of State’s “What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis ” for additional information, and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Once referred to the U.S. Repatriation Program by the U.S. Department of State and approved by OHSEPR, you can receive temporary assistance, which can include food, shelter, transportation, and cash assistance.

The U.S. Repatriation Program supports eligible U.S. citizens and their dependents returned by the U.S. Department of State from a foreign country and provides them temporary assistance upon arrival to the United States in the form of a loan.

The U.S. Repatriation Program is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Office of Human Services Emergency Preparedness and Response (OHSEPR). OHSEPR works with its grantee, ISS-USA, and states to provide assistance directly to repatriates.

Eligibility is determined as follows:

1. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a dependent of a U.S. citizen;
2. The person must be identified by the U.S. Department of State as returning to the United States from a foreign country because of destitution, illness, war, threat of war, invasion, or similar crisis; and
3. The person must be without resources immediately accessible to meet their needs.

Repatriates coordinate with the U.S. Department of State about their state of final destination.

To be eligible for this program you must be a U.S. citizen, or a dependent of a U.S. citizen who is applying for assistance.

The U.S. Department of State determines eligibility status of family members, as well as the return of pets.

Eligible U.S. citizens may include dependents on their repatriation loan.

Temporary assistance is provided for up to 90 days from your date of arrival. If more time is needed, you can apply for an extension by filling out form Form RR-07: Temporary Assistance Extension Request. Your case manager or ISS-USA can help you fill out and submit this form, which will need to be approved by OHSEPR. We encourage you to work with the case manager to ensure it is filled out properly and that any necessary supporting documentation is included.

Form: Form RR-07: Temporary Assistance Extension Request

Video: Watch How do I complete the Temporary Assistance Extension Request Form (RR-07) for a video tutorial on completing this form.

Video: Vea el video Cómo completo el Formulario de Solicitud de Extensión de Asistencia Temporal (RR-07) para un tutorial sobre cómo completar este formulario.

You may be eligible if you arrived in the United States less than 90 days ago. Please contact ISS-USA for further assistance.

Repatriates may apply for a loan waiver or deferral by submitting Form RR-03: Loan Waiver and Deferral Application. Determinations are made by OHSEPR on a case-by-case basis. Your case manager or ISS-USA can help you fill out and submit this form. We encourage you to work with them to ensure it is filled out properly and that any necessary supporting documentation is included.

FORM: Form RR-03: Loan Waiver and Deferral Application

Video: Watch How do I complete the Loan Waiver and Deferral Application Form (RR-03) for a video tutorial on completing this form. 

Video: Vea el video Cómo completo el Formulario de Solicitud de Exención y Aplazamiento de Préstamo (RR-03) para un tutorial sobre cómo completar este formulario.

HHS’ Program Support Center (PSC) will bill you approximately one month after your case is closed. The bill will include repayment instructions, including repayment plans and remittance address. For questions about your debt, email PSCDebtServicing@psc.hhs.gov or call 301-492-4664.