What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a crime and a public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. § 7102), defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as sex or labor trafficking. For more detailed information, go to https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/about/what-human-trafficking.
Are you a victim of a severe form of human trafficking?
ACF’s Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP)1 issues Certification, Eligibility, and Interim Assistance Letters to foreign national adults and minors who have been subjected to a severe form of human trafficking. These letters allow them to apply for certain benefits and services.
Adults: OTIP issues a Certification Letter to an adult who has received a Continued Presence or a T1 visa by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Minors: OTIP issues an Eligibility or Interim Assistance Letter to minors after OTIP has determined the minor may have experienced trafficking.
Once you receive a Certification, Eligibility, or Interim Assistance letter, you may be eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) benefits and services such as cash assistance, medical assistance, employment preparation, job placement, English language training, and other services offered through ORR. This document focuses on ORR benefits and services.
You may also be eligible for federal “mainstream” benefits, such as cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health insurance through Medicaid, food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and federal student financial aid.
Are you a family member of a victim of a severe form of human trafficking?
Family members who have obtained derivative T-status by DHS may be eligible for ORR benefits and services.2 Family members may also be eligible for federal “mainstream” benefits, as described above.
How do I access ORR benefits and services?
ORR provides funding to state governments, resettlement agencies, and other nonprofit community-based organizations to provide benefits and services to eligible individuals. Beginning on the benefits’ start date on your Certification, Eligibility, or Interim Assistance Letter, you can apply at the state government benefits office or closest resettlement agency in your state. For a family member with derivative T-status, the benefits’ start date is when the derivative is granted that status. See the ORR state program directory for a state-by-state listing of local resettlement agencies and links to ORR state contacts: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/map/find-resources-and-contacts-your-state.
When should I sign up for ORR benefits and services?
ORR-funded cash and medical assistance are limited to a period of time from your date of ORR eligibility.
Initial ORR Benefits
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Counting from their date of eligibility, individuals may receive RCA to help meet their most basic needs, such as food, shelter, and transportation. (Individuals with an ORR eligibility date on or after May 5, 2025, are eligible for four months of RCA.)
ORR Matching Grant (MG) Program
As an alternative to TANF or RCA, some people may participate in the ORR MG Program, an early self-sufficiency program. Enrollment slots are limited in number and by location. The MG Program provides cash assistance, intensive case management, and employment services to help clients immediately find and maintain employment. The goal of the program is to assist clients to become economically self-sufficient within the 240-day MG service period. Individuals should enroll in the MG Program as soon as possible after their benefits’ start date.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Those not eligible for Medicaid may receive RMA from their date of eligibility. (Individuals with an ORR eligibility date on or after May 5, 2025, are eligible for four months of RMA.) RMA provides the same health insurance coverage as Medicaid.
Medical Screening
You may be eligible for a domestic medical screening examination funded by ORR. The screening supports clients by identifying health conditions that threaten their wellbeing, providing vaccinations required for school and work, and giving them referrals for primary care providers or specialists for ongoing health care. ORR recommends that medical screenings are completed soon after arrival in the U.S.
Services (up to 5 years from the date of certification/eligibility)
Refugee Support Services (RSS)
You may be eligible to access RSS, which provides a wide range of services in support of employment and self-sufficiency: employability services; job training and preparation; assistance with job search, placement, and retention; English language training; childcare; transportation; translation and interpreter services; and case management.
Specialized Programs
You may be eligible for specialized programs such as health services, technical assistance for small business start-ups, financial savings, youth mentoring, or other targeted support programs.
