The Energy and Refugee Services Division of the Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for disbursing federal funds related to the resettlement of refugees in Connecticut.  Refugees are assigned by the U.S. State Department to local affiliates of national voluntary resettlement agencies in Connecticut.  DSS disburses federal refugee assistance program funds, administers refugee cash and medical assistance programs and monitors resettlement activity for individuals who qualify as refugees under international law.  A refugee can request to become a legal permanent resident after one-year residence in the U.S. and can apply for U.S. citizenship five years after their date of entry to the U.S.

 

DSS regional offices administer the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) programs for refugees for up to eight months from their date of entry to the U.S.  DSS also provides refugees with temporary family assistance/cash assistance, medical coverage and food stamp assistance under those public assistance programs since refugees qualify as legal non-citizens.

 

The State contracts with the following resettlement agencies to provide case management and employment services to refugees:

 

The following are the total number of new refugee arrivals to Connecticut for the corresponding federal fiscal years (October 1 through September 30):

 

FFY 2002  747                  FFY 2005  536                  FFY 2008  381        
FFY 2003  209                  FFY 2006  324                  FFY 2009  351
FFY 2004  408                  FFY 2007  502

 

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