Key Takeaways
• Missouri refugee support requires recognized status, Social Security Number, and residence within five years of arrival.
• City of Refuge leads resettlement after Catholic Charities program closure in March 2025 with reduced federal funding.
• Refugee health, cash assistance, education, and private sponsorship programs have specific eligibility and disqualifying factors.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker hoping to settle in Missouri in 2025, it’s important to know what support and resources are available, who qualifies, and what steps you need to take. The landscape for refugee resettlement in Missouri has changed a lot in recent years, especially after the closure of the Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program and changes in federal funding. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you qualify for state-level support, what you need to apply, what might stop you from getting help, and what you can do if you don’t qualify right now.
Eligibility for Refugee Support in Missouri: Yes/No Criteria
To receive state-level support as a refugee or asylum seeker in Missouri, you must meet certain requirements. Here’s a clear breakdown:
You are likely eligible if:
– You have official refugee status, as recognized by the U.S. government, or you are an asylum seeker with a pending or approved application.
– You have arrived in Missouri within the past five years (for most programs).
– You have a Social Security Number (SSN) or are in the process of getting one (required for most cash assistance programs).
– You are not already receiving the same type of support from another state.
– You are willing to work with local resettlement agencies or nonprofits, such as City of Refuge or the International Institute of St. Louis.
You are not eligible if:
– You do not have recognized refugee or asylum status.
– You have been in the United States for more than five years (for most state-funded refugee programs).
– You do not have or cannot get a Social Security Number (for cash assistance).
– You are not living in Missouri.
– You are already receiving similar support from another state.
Let’s look at each type of support in detail, with examples and explanations to help you see if you qualify.
Cash Assistance and Employment Support
Who qualifies?
– Refugees and certain other eligible immigrants (like asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Afghan or Ukrainian parolees) can apply for Temporary Assistance (TA) and the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) Program.
– You must have a Social Security Number. The Missouri Department of Social Services does not accept Alien Numbers for these programs.
– You must meet income and resource limits, similar to other low-income families in Missouri.
– You need to apply through a local resettlement agency, such as City of Refuge, which will help you with the paperwork.
Example:
Fatima, a refugee from Afghanistan, arrived in Missouri in February 2025. She has her Social Security Number and is staying with relatives in Columbia. She visits City of Refuge, where a caseworker helps her apply for TA and enrolls her in the MWA Program. She receives monthly cash assistance and job search help.
Disqualifying factors:
– No Social Security Number.
– Income or resources above the program limits.
– Already receiving similar benefits in another state.
How to improve your chances:
– Apply for a Social Security Number as soon as you arrive.
– Work closely with your resettlement agency to gather all needed documents.
– Keep your income and resource information up to date.
Alternative options if not eligible:
If you do not qualify for state cash assistance, you may still be able to get help from local charities, food banks, or faith-based organizations. City of Refuge and Della Lamb Community Services often provide emergency support, even if you don’t meet all state requirements.
Refugee Health Services
Who qualifies?
– Refugees, asylees, and certain other eligible immigrants who are not eligible for Medicaid.
– You must be within your first 12 months in the United States to get Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA).
– You must complete a Refugee Medical Screening (RMS) soon after arrival.
Example:
Omar, a Syrian refugee, arrives in St. Louis in April 2025. He is not eligible for Medicaid, so USCRI Missouri helps him get a medical screening and enrolls him in RMA, which covers his doctor visits and medicine for the first year.
Disqualifying factors:
– More than 12 months since arrival in the United States.
– Eligible for Medicaid (in which case you must use Medicaid instead).
– Not classified as a refugee, asylee, or other eligible status.
How to improve your chances:
– Schedule your medical screening as soon as possible after arrival.
– Bring all immigration documents to your appointment.
– Ask your resettlement agency for help if you have trouble accessing care.
Alternative options if not eligible:
If you are not eligible for RMA, you may still get care at federally qualified health centers or through charity clinics. Some local nonprofits offer health services for uninsured immigrants.
Resettlement Support Services
Who qualifies?
– Refugees and asylees within their first five years in the United States.
– Those who are working with a local resettlement agency or nonprofit, such as City of Refuge or Della Lamb Community Services.
Services include:
– Help finding housing and jobs
– Case management and counseling
– Adult education and English classes
– Youth and family services
– Cultural orientation
Example:
A family from Ukraine arrives in Kansas City in May 2025. Della Lamb Community Services helps them find an apartment, enrolls the children in school, and connects the parents with English classes and job leads.
Disqualifying factors:
– More than five years since arrival.
– Not working with a recognized resettlement agency.
How to improve your chances:
– Contact a resettlement agency as soon as you arrive in Missouri.
– Attend all orientation and education sessions offered.
– Stay in touch with your case manager and update them on your needs.
Alternative options if not eligible:
If you are outside the five-year window, you may still be able to get help from community organizations, churches, or local government programs for low-income residents.
Youth and Education Programs
Who qualifies?
– Refugee children and youth enrolled in Missouri schools.
– Families working with MO-ORA or a local resettlement agency.
Services include:
– School enrollment help
– Tutoring and mentoring
– After-school programs
– Help for parents to understand the school system
Example:
Sara, a 10-year-old refugee from Sudan, starts school in Columbia. City of Refuge helps her family enroll her in school and connects her with a mentor who helps her with homework and adjusting to her new environment.
Disqualifying factors:
– Not a refugee or asylee.
– Not enrolled in a Missouri school.
How to improve your chances:
– Register your children for school as soon as possible.
– Ask your resettlement agency about youth programs and mentoring.
Alternative options if not eligible:
Some after-school programs and tutoring services are open to all children, regardless of immigration status. Check with your local school or community center.
Private Sponsorship and Community Engagement
Who qualifies?
– Refugees who have a private sponsor or are part of a community sponsorship group.
– Sponsors must be approved by an organization like the International Institute of St. Louis.
Services include:
– Community-based support for housing, employment, and integration
– Access to resources and inclusion in local activities
Example:
A church group in St. Louis sponsors a refugee family from Eritrea, helping them settle in, find jobs, and become part of the community with support from the International Institute of St. Louis.
Disqualifying factors:
– No private sponsor or community group.
– Sponsor not approved by a recognized organization.
How to improve your chances:
– Reach out to local faith groups, community organizations, or the International Institute of St. Louis to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
Alternative options if not eligible:
If you don’t have a private sponsor, you can still access many services through resettlement agencies and nonprofits.
Disqualifying Factors Across Programs
Some factors can stop you from getting help from several programs at once:
– Lack of proper immigration status (not a refugee, asylee, or other eligible category)
– Missing or incorrect documents (especially Social Security Number)
– Living outside Missouri
– Already receiving similar support elsewhere
– Not applying within the required time frame (for example, more than 12 months since arrival for health programs)
If you are unsure about your status or eligibility, always check with a local resettlement agency or the Missouri Office of Refugee Administration (MO-ORA).
How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying
- Get your documents in order: Apply for a Social Security Number and keep all your immigration papers safe.
- Contact a resettlement agency right away: The sooner you connect with City of Refuge, Della Lamb Community Services, or the International Institute of St. Louis, the more help you can get.
- Attend all required appointments: Medical screenings, orientation sessions, and job training are often required for continued support.
- Ask for help: If you have trouble with paperwork or understanding requirements, ask your caseworker or a trusted community member for help.
- Stay informed: Program rules can change quickly. Follow updates from MO-ORA and your resettlement agency.
Alternative Options if Not Eligible
If you do not qualify for state-level refugee programs, you still have options:
– Local charities and churches: Many offer food, clothing, emergency shelter, and other help.
– Community health centers: These often provide care regardless of immigration status.
– Legal aid organizations: If you need help with your immigration case, look for free or low-cost legal services.
– School and youth programs: Some are open to all children, not just refugees.
Key Agencies and Contacts
Here are the main organizations providing refugee support in Missouri:
- Missouri Office of Refugee Administration (MO-ORA): State agency overseeing refugee programs. Contact State Refugee Coordinator Paul Costigan. Find updates on Instagram: @mo.refugee.office.
Missouri Department of Social Services – Refugee Assistance - City of Refuge: Main nonprofit for resettlement services statewide. Based in Columbia, Missouri.
- U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Missouri: Handles health screenings and medical assistance. St. Louis Office: 314-377-8799.
- Catholic Charities of Northern and Central Missouri: No longer runs a resettlement program but still offers some services. Website: cccnmo.diojeffcity.org
- Della Lamb Community Services: Kansas City-based agency for housing, health, and legal services. Phone: (816) 421-7646.
- International Institute of St. Louis: Supports private sponsorship and community engagement.
Recent Changes and What They Mean for You
The end of the Catholic Charities refugee resettlement program in March 2025 was a big change for Missouri. Now, City of Refuge is the main group helping new arrivals, but they are working with less federal money and relying more on donations and volunteers. The Missouri Office of Refugee Administration has taken on more responsibility, but funding is still tight.
Because of the Trump administration’s suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and travel bans, there are delays and uncertainty for people waiting to come to Missouri. If you are already in the state, you may face longer waits for services or need to work with different agencies than before.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes mean that refugees and asylum seekers need to be more proactive and flexible than ever. It’s important to reach out to agencies as soon as possible and to look for help from community groups if you run into problems.
What to Do Next
- If you are planning to come to Missouri:
Contact a local resettlement agency before you arrive, if possible. Gather all your documents and be ready to apply for a Social Security Number right away. -
If you are already in Missouri:
Reach out to City of Refuge, Della Lamb Community Services, or the International Institute of St. Louis to see what programs you can join. -
If you are waiting abroad:
Stay in touch with your caseworker or sponsor. Be aware that delays are possible due to federal policy changes. -
If you are not eligible for state programs:
Look for help from local charities, churches, or community health centers. Ask about private sponsorship or community support options.
For more information on refugee assistance in Missouri, visit the Missouri Department of Social Services Refugee Assistance page, which provides up-to-date details on available programs and how to apply.
In summary, while the refugee resettlement program in Missouri has changed a lot, there are still ways to get help. The key is to act quickly, keep your documents ready, and reach out to the right agencies. Even if you don’t qualify for every program, there are community resources that can support you as you build your new life in Missouri.
Learn Today
Refugee status → Official recognition by the U.S. government granting protection to those fleeing persecution.
Social Security Number → A unique identifier needed to access most state refugee cash and employment assistance programs.
Resettlement agency → Organizations that help refugees with housing, employment, and integration services.
Refugee Medical Assistance → Health coverage for refugees during their first 12 months in the U.S. if Medicaid is unavailable.
Private sponsorship → Community or faith groups approved to support refugees’ integration through funding and assistance.
This Article in a Nutshell
Refugees arriving in Missouri face a changed support landscape due to program closures and funding cuts. Key agencies like City of Refuge now provide resettlement services, cash assistance, and health support. Eligibility depends on status, documentation, and timing. Community resources remain vital for those who do not qualify for state programs.
— By VisaVerge.com
