1520.000.00 SPECIAL PROCEDURES

  1. Refugees are entitled to the same rights as any other  applicant or recipient of public assistance (i.e. confidentiality of records, right to a state hearing, right to retroactive benefits, right to deficiency payments, etc.).  Do not provide the refugee with public assistance or food stamps if the refugee does not desire either or both.
  2. Handle additions or removal of persons in the household in the same manner as in any Temporary Assistance household.
  3. Medicaid eligibility may be approved for the prior quarter, if eligible, if the refugee incurred unpaid medical expenses during the quarter.
  4. The requirement that the recipient must have received cash assistance for at least three months out of the preceding six month period does not apply to the Refugee Assistance program when granting four months of extended Medicaid to Refugees whose cash assistance is being terminated due to an employment related closing.

    A refugee who was cash eligible, but chose to receive RMA only, may still receive the extended Medicaid coverage, if otherwise eligible.

  5. Refer American citizens who have refugee children (whom they have not formally adopted) under the age of 18 placed in their homes to the Children's Services Unit if they are requesting any type of assistance for these children.  These children are not eligible for medical or financial assistance through Income Maintenance.  The Children's Services Unit will assess the family's eligibility for any Children's Services program.
  6. When a refugee accepts the offer of family planning, make a referral to the Children's Services Unit.
  7. When a refugee accepts the offer of HCY (available for refugees under the age of 21 only) follow the current  instructions on HCY procedure.
  8. Obtain and record Social Security numbers for all family members.  The refugees applied for Social Security numbers upon entering this country.  Thus a refugee should either have a Social Security number or proof of application for a number.  Tell a refugee who has proof of application for a number that he must furnish the number upon receipt.