Refugee Cash & Refugee Medical Assistance (ODHS Refugee Services)
Monthly cash and health coverage for new refugees
What it pays or provides
Refugee Cash Assistance puts money on an EBT card every month, which works like a debit card for everyday needs like food, rent, and transportation. Refugee Medical Assistance gives most people full Oregon Health Plan benefits. Both are meant to bridge your first months in the U.S. -- generally up to 4 months after you're granted refugee status, though refugees who received their status before May 5, 2025 may be eligible for up to 12 months from their arrival date.
Who qualifies
You need an eligible immigration status (refugee, asylee, or certain other eligible new arrivals), to have arrived or received your qualifying status within the program's time window, to live in Oregon, to meet income standards, and to not already be getting or eligible for TANF (for cash) or Medicaid (for medical). You also generally can't be a full-time college student. Families with children 18 or younger may instead get cash help through the TANF program rather than Refugee Cash Assistance.
How other benefits affect it
If you're working with a resettlement agency like SOAR, they can help connect you to refugee cash and medical assistance as part of your overall resettlement plan. If your income is too high for regular Oregon Health Plan or your immigration status has been a barrier in the past, Healthier Oregon extends full OHP coverage regardless of immigration status once you meet its income rules.
How to apply
Apply online, by phone, or in person at a local ODHS office -- a refugee resettlement agency can also help you apply. For questions, call ODHS Refugee Programs at 503-945-5600 or email refugee.policy@odhs.oregon.gov.
Go to the official page →or call 503-945-5600
Programs that combine with it
- SOAR — Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon) — a welcome team, temporary home, and job help when you arrive
- Healthier Oregon (OHP regardless of immigration status) — free health coverage, any immigration status
Sources
- ODHS Benefits: apply online
- Official rule text “Refugee cash and medical benefits are for people who: Have an eligible immigration status... Have been in the U.S. as a refugee for less than 4 months, or who received their qualifying status within the past 4 months.” (checked July 6, 2026)