Key Takeaways
• Indiana Refugee Services helps refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, trafficking victims, Amerasians, Afghan and Ukrainian parolees.
• Services include cash, medical aid, job training, education support, case management, and targeted Afghan/Ukrainian programs.
• Eligibility excludes tourists, students, undocumented without asylum, permanent residents without refugee status, DACA, and TPS holders.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker considering Indiana as your new home in 2025, it’s important to know what support is available and whether you qualify for these services. Indiana, through the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), offers a strong network of programs and resources to help newcomers settle, find work, and build a new life. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you qualify for Indiana Refugee Services, what the requirements are, what might disqualify you, and what to do if you don’t meet the criteria. You’ll also find tips on how to improve your chances of getting help.
Who Qualifies for Indiana Refugee Services?
Indiana Refugee Services, managed by the Family and Social Services Administration, is the main state program for refugees and certain other groups. To qualify, you must fit into one of these categories:
You are eligible if:
– You have been admitted to the United States 🇺🇸 as a refugee under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
– You have been granted asylum in the United States 🇺🇸 under Section 208 of the INA.
– You are a Cuban or Haitian entrant.
– You are a victim of human trafficking with a T visa or have received a certification letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
– You are an Amerasian immigrant from Vietnam under the Amerasian Homecoming Act.
– You are an Afghan or Ukrainian humanitarian parolee, especially if you arrived through the Afghan Placement and Assistance or United for Ukraine programs.
Examples:
– If you fled Afghanistan in 2021 and arrived in Indiana through the federal evacuation program, you qualify.
– If you are a Ukrainian who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under the United for Ukraine program, you qualify.
– If you were granted asylum after arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, you qualify.
You are NOT eligible if:
– You are in the United States 🇺🇸 on a tourist, student, or work visa.
– You are an undocumented immigrant who has not applied for or been granted asylum or refugee status.
– You are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who did not enter as a refugee or asylee.
– You are a DACA recipient or TPS holder (unless you also meet one of the above categories).
Disqualifying Factors:
– If your immigration status is still pending and you have not received official refugee, asylee, or humanitarian parolee status, you cannot access these services yet.
– If you have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than five years and are not enrolled in a qualifying program, you may lose eligibility for some services.
What Services Are Available If You Qualify?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, Indiana Refugee Services offers a range of support to help you start your new life. These include:
1. Cash Assistance
– Temporary financial help to cover basic needs while you get settled.
– Usually available for up to eight months after arrival, but some programs extend up to five years for certain groups.
2. Medical Assistance
– Access to health insurance through Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance.
– Help with finding doctors, getting vaccinations, and managing chronic health conditions.
3. Employment Support
– Job search help, resume writing, and interview preparation.
– English language classes and job training programs.
– Help with getting your foreign credentials recognized.
4. Case Management
– A caseworker helps you set goals, find housing, enroll children in school, and connect with community resources.
5. Special Programs for Afghans and Ukrainians
– Targeted support for those who arrived through recent humanitarian programs, including help with legal paperwork and cultural orientation.
6. Refugee Health Program
– Health screenings and referrals to doctors.
– Mental health support, especially for those who have experienced trauma.
7. Educational Support for Children and Youth
– The Refugee School Impact (RSI) Program helps children adjust to U.S. schools, learn English, and get extra academic support.
– Family support to help parents understand the school system.
8. Community Integration
– Language classes, cultural orientation, and help connecting with local groups.
– Volunteer programs and mentorship for new arrivals.
Where to Apply and Get Help
Indiana Refugee Services (FSSA)
– Main office for state-level support.
– Contact: Matt Schomburg (463-291-6997 ext. 916997) or Jason Hile (463-291-6994 ext. 916994).
– For health questions, contact the Indiana Refugee Health Coordinator at 317-234-7252.
– More information is available on the Indiana Department of Health Refugee Health Program page.
Local Resettlement Agencies
– United Religious Community (URC) in South Bend and St. Joseph County: Helps with housing, jobs, and community support. Contact [email protected] or 574-282-2397 x 3.
– Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis: Offers food, clothing, case management, and job training. Contact (317) 921-0836.
– Family Promise of Hendricks County: Provides language and cultural support. Contact 317-296-3742.
– Immigrant Welcome Center in Indianapolis: Connects immigrants to resources and community programs. Contact 317-808-2326.
Educational Support
– The Refugee School Impact Program is run by the Indiana Department of Education in partnership with FSSA. Schools with many refugee students get extra funding to help with language and academic needs.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for Indiana Refugee Services, you still have some options:
1. Seek Legal Help
– If your asylum case is pending, talk to a legal aid group or immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and next steps.
– Some local nonprofits offer free or low-cost legal advice.
2. Community Support
– Many local organizations, churches, and charities offer food, clothing, and emergency help to all immigrants, regardless of status.
– The Immigrant Welcome Center and Family Promise can connect you to these resources.
3. Private Sponsorship
– The Welcome Corps program allows private citizens and groups to sponsor refugees. If you have friends or family in Indiana, they may be able to sponsor you.
– Learn more about the Welcome Corps on the U.S. Department of State’s Welcome Corps page.
4. English and Job Training
– Some community colleges and nonprofits offer free English classes and job training to all immigrants, not just refugees.
5. Health Care
– If you do not qualify for Medicaid or Refugee Medical Assistance, you may still be able to get care at community health clinics or through charity programs.
How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying
If you are not yet eligible for Indiana Refugee Services, here are steps you can take to improve your chances:
1. Apply for Asylum or Humanitarian Parole
– If you fear returning to your home country, consider applying for asylum. You must show you have a well-founded fear of persecution.
– If you are from Afghanistan or Ukraine, check if you qualify for special humanitarian parole programs.
2. Keep Your Documents Updated
– Make sure you have all your immigration paperwork, including your I-94 arrival record, asylum approval letter, or parole documents.
– If you are missing documents, contact a legal aid group for help.
3. Stay in Touch with Local Agencies
– Even if you are not eligible now, local agencies can keep you informed about new programs or changes in the law.
– Sign up for newsletters or attend community meetings.
4. Volunteer or Get Involved
– Volunteering with local organizations can help you build connections and learn about new opportunities.
5. Learn English
– Taking English classes can help you qualify for more programs and improve your job prospects.
Recent Changes and What They Mean for You
Indiana has seen several important changes in refugee and asylum support in 2024 and 2025:
- Afghan and Ukrainian Support: Indiana has welcomed many new arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine, with special programs to help them settle.
- Welcome Corps Expansion: The federal Welcome Corps program now allows private groups to sponsor refugees, giving more people a chance to come to Indiana.
- Temporary Pauses: Some resettlement agencies, like URC, have faced short pauses in new arrivals due to federal changes, but they are preparing for more arrivals soon.
- Focus on Self-Sufficiency: Indiana’s programs are designed to help refugees become self-sufficient as quickly as possible, with a strong focus on jobs and education.
What Happens After You Qualify?
Once you are accepted into Indiana Refugee Services, you will be assigned a caseworker who will help you:
- Find safe and affordable housing.
- Apply for cash and medical assistance.
- Enroll your children in school and sign up for the Refugee School Impact Program if needed.
- Get job training and start looking for work.
- Access health care, including mental health support.
- Connect with community groups and language classes.
You will also have regular check-ins with your caseworker to make sure you are making progress and to adjust your support plan as needed.
How Long Does Support Last?
- Cash and Medical Assistance: Usually up to eight months, but some services (like job training and case management) can last up to five years.
- Educational Support: Children and youth can get help as long as they are enrolled in school and have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than five years.
- Community Programs: Many local services are available for as long as you need them.
What If You Lose Eligibility?
If you lose eligibility for Indiana Refugee Services (for example, after five years or if your status changes), you may still qualify for other state or federal programs, such as:
- Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if you meet income requirements.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food help.
- Workforce development programs for job seekers.
It’s important to talk to your caseworker or a local agency before your benefits end to plan your next steps.
Key Contacts for Help
Here’s a quick list of important contacts for refugees and asylum seekers in Indiana:
- Indiana Refugee Services (FSSA): Matt Schomburg (463-291-6997 ext. 916997), Jason Hile (463-291-6994 ext. 916994)
- Indiana Refugee Health Coordinator: 317-234-7252
- United Religious Community (URC): [email protected], 574-282-2397 x 3
- Exodus Refugee Immigration: (317) 921-0836
- Family Promise of Hendricks County: 317-296-3742
- Immigrant Welcome Center: 317-808-2326
For more information about the Refugee School Impact Program, visit the Indiana Department of Education’s website.
Expert Advice and Future Outlook
Experts agree that Indiana’s approach—combining state, local, and federal resources—gives refugees the best chance to succeed. The expansion of private sponsorship through the Welcome Corps means more people can help bring family or friends to Indiana. As reported by VisaVerge.com, ongoing changes in federal policy mean that Indiana agencies must stay flexible and ready to help new groups of refugees as situations change around the world.
The focus on jobs, education, and health care matches what research shows works best for helping refugees build new lives. Looking ahead, Indiana may see more funding for refugee health and education, and possibly more resettlement sites across the state.
Action Steps for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- Check your eligibility for Indiana Refugee Services through the FSSA.
- Gather your documents and keep them up to date.
- Contact local agencies for help with housing, jobs, and health care.
- Apply for the Refugee School Impact Program if you have children.
- Stay informed about new programs and changes in the law.
- Ask for help if you are unsure about your status or next steps.
If you need more details or step-by-step help, reach out to Indiana Refugee Services or one of the local agencies listed above. They can guide you through the process and connect you to the right resources.
For the most current information about refugee and asylum support in Indiana, visit the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Refugee Services page.
By understanding the eligibility rules, knowing where to get help, and staying connected with local support, you can make the most of the resources Indiana offers to refugees and asylum seekers in 2025.
Learn Today
Refugee → A person who flees their country due to persecution and is legally admitted under Section 207 of the INA.
Asylee → An individual granted asylum status under Section 208 of the INA, protecting from return to persecution.
Humanitarian Parolee → A person allowed entry into the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons, not full refugee status.
Case Management → Personalized support helping refugees find housing, enroll in school, and access services.
T Visa → A visa granted to victims of human trafficking to allow them to stay and assist in investigations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indiana Refugee Services provides essential support to refugees and asylees including cash aid, health care, job help, and education. Special programs serve Afghan and Ukrainian humanitarian parolees. If you don’t qualify, legal aid and community resources offer alternatives for a successful new start in Indiana.
— By VisaVerge.com
