State-Level Support and Resources for Refugees in Washington 2025

Key Takeaways

• WA MASS aids non-citizens entering US after Jan 1, 2022, with low income and deportation risk in Washington.
• Programs include emergency housing, legal help, and case management, funded through June 30, 2025.
• Federal refugee benefits reduced; state programs like WA MASS fill gaps after May 5, 2025 changes.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Washington in 2025, you may be wondering if you qualify for state-level support and what resources are available. Washington has taken important steps to help newcomers, especially after changes in federal policies. This guide will help you figure out if you qualify for help, what the detailed requirements are, what might disqualify you, and what to do if you don’t qualify right now. You’ll also find tips on how to improve your chances and where to get more information.

Key programs and terms you’ll see in this guide:
– Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project (WA MASS)
– House Bill 2368
– Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
– Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA)
– Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW)
– Refugee School Impact Program (RSIP)

Let’s break down each program and its eligibility rules, so you can quickly see if you qualify and what steps to take next.

Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project (WA MASS): Who Qualifies?

The Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project (WA MASS) is a pilot program created by House Bill 2368 and run by the Department of Social and Health Services. It is designed to help people who are not eligible for federal refugee benefits but still need support.

You may qualify for WA MASS if you meet all of these requirements:

• You are a non-citizen who first entered the United States 🇺🇸 after January 1, 2022.
• You do not qualify for federal refugee resettlement benefits.
• You are in removal proceedings or at risk of deportation.
• Your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• You live in Washington.

Priority is given to:
– Pregnant individuals
– Households with children under 18
– People with serious medical conditions

What does WA MASS provide?
– Emergency shelters and help with finding a place to live
– Legal help for immigration cases
– Case management (someone to help you with paperwork and services)
– Help with basic needs like food and clothing
– Virtual services (help by phone or online) available statewide

How long does the program last?
– WA MASS is a pilot project and is funded through June 30, 2025. It started in King and Pierce counties in October 2024 and expanded statewide in November 2024.

Example:
Maria arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 in March 2023. She is waiting for her asylum hearing, has no federal refugee benefits, and her family income is below the poverty line. She lives in Tacoma. Maria qualifies for WA MASS and can get help with housing and legal aid.

What Disqualifies You from WA MASS?

You will not qualify for WA MASS if:
– You entered the United States 🇺🇸 before January 1, 2022
– You already receive federal refugee resettlement benefits
– Your household income is above 200% of the federal poverty level
– You are not in removal proceedings or not at risk of deportation
– You do not live in Washington

Example:
Ahmed arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 in 2020 and already receives federal refugee cash assistance. He does not qualify for WA MASS.

How to Apply for WA MASS

To check your eligibility and apply:
– Contact the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA). They will screen you for eligibility and refer you to services.
– Visit the official DSHS ORIA website for more information and contact details.

What If You Don’t Qualify for WA MASS?

If you do not qualify for WA MASS, there are still other options:

1. Federal Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance
– If you are a refugee or asylee who arrived before May 5, 2025, you may get up to 12 months of cash and medical help.
– If you arrive or become eligible after May 5, 2025, you may only get 4 months of help due to federal changes.
– You must apply through DSHS or a local resettlement agency.

2. PRIME Case Management (Lutheran Community Services Northwest)
– If you are a refugee, asylee, or special visa holder who has been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than 5 years, you may qualify for PRIME case management.
– PRIME helps with needs assessment, setting goals, finding housing, connecting to medical care, English classes, and transportation.
– Even though the Reception and Placement program is paused, PRIME is still available in Tacoma and Vancouver.

3. Walk-in Help at Local Agencies
– Agencies like New Americans Alliance and others still offer help with housing, legal aid, and jobs, but they may have long wait times due to high demand.

4. Refugee School Impact Program (RSIP)
– If you have school-age children who are refugees, they may qualify for extra academic support, mentoring, and family engagement activities through RSIP.
– Contact your child’s school or School’s Out Washington for more information.

Detailed Requirements for Other State-Level Support

Federal Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance

Eligibility:
– Refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian parolees
– Arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 within the last 12 months (or 4 months if after May 5, 2025)
– Low income

Disqualifying Factors:
– Not a refugee, asylee, or eligible parolee
– Arrived more than 12 months ago (or more than 4 months ago if after May 5, 2025)
– Income above program limits

How to Apply:
– Contact DSHS or your local resettlement agency

PRIME Case Management (LCSNW)

Eligibility:
– Refugees, asylees, and special visa holders in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than 5 years
– Living in Tacoma or Vancouver

Disqualifying Factors:
– In the United States 🇺🇸 for more than 5 years
– Not in Tacoma or Vancouver

How to Apply:
– Visit LCSNW’s refugee resettlement page or call their local office

Refugee School Impact Program (RSIP)

Eligibility:
– Refugee students enrolled in Washington schools

Disqualifying Factors:
– Not a refugee student
– Not enrolled in a Washington school

How to Apply:
– Contact your school or School’s Out Washington

What If You Are Not Eligible for Any Program?

If you do not qualify for any of the above programs, you still have some options:

• Community-based organizations: Many local groups offer food banks, clothing drives, and emergency help. These services may not require proof of immigration status.
• Legal clinics: Some organizations offer free or low-cost legal advice for immigrants and asylum seekers.
• Faith-based groups: Churches, mosques, and synagogues often help newcomers with basic needs.
• Public schools: Children can attend public schools regardless of immigration status, and schools may offer extra support for English learners.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying

If you are close to qualifying but don’t meet all the requirements, here are some tips:

• Keep all documents: Save proof of your entry date, immigration status, and income. This will help you if your situation changes or if new programs open up.
• Stay in touch with agencies: Programs and rules can change quickly. Check the DSHS ORIA website often for updates.
• Ask about exceptions: Sometimes, agencies can make exceptions for special cases, especially for people with urgent needs.
• Get legal help: A qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative can help you understand your options and may find a way for you to qualify for help.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

Pregnant individuals, families with children, and people with serious health problems are given priority in most programs, especially WA MASS. If you are in one of these groups, make sure to mention this when you apply.

What Has Changed in 2025?

• Federal benefits have been cut: Refugee cash and medical help now last only 4 months for new arrivals after May 5, 2025.
• Some parole programs have ended: The Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program ended in March 2025, which may affect your eligibility for some services.
• State programs are filling the gaps: Washington is using state money to help people who are left out of federal programs, thanks to House Bill 2368 and the Department of Social and Health Services.

Summary Table: Quick Eligibility Check

Where to Get More Information

• Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA):
  Official DSHS ORIA website
  Provides eligibility screening, referrals, and updates on all state programs.

• Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW):
  LCSNW Refugee Resettlement Program
  For PRIME case management and other services.

• School’s Out Washington:
  For educational support, contact Pang Chang at [email protected]

What’s Next? Practical Steps

1. Check your eligibility: Review the requirements for each program above.
2. Gather your documents: Entry date, immigration status, income, and proof of Washington residency.
3. Contact the right agency: Start with DSHS ORIA for most programs.
4. Ask about waitlists: Some programs may be full, but you can ask to be added to a waitlist.
5. Look for community help: If you don’t qualify for state programs, try local organizations, legal clinics, or faith groups.

Final Thoughts

Washington continues to adapt its support for refugees and asylum seekers, even as federal policies change. The Washington Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support Project, created by House Bill 2368 and managed by the Department of Social and Health Services, is a key resource for those who don’t qualify for federal help. Other programs, like PRIME case management and the Refugee School Impact Program, offer support for specific groups.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and connected to local agencies is the best way to make sure you get the help you need. Rules and programs can change quickly, so check official sources often and keep your documents ready. If you’re not eligible now, new programs or changes in your situation may open up more options in the future.

For the most up-to-date information, always start with the official DSHS ORIA website. This is your best source for eligibility screening, program updates, and referrals to trusted organizations across Washington.

Learn Today

WA MASS → A Washington pilot program providing aid to recent migrants and asylum seekers ineligible for federal benefits.
House Bill 2368 → Washington state legislation authorizing WA MASS to support refugees and asylum seekers.
DSHS → Department of Social and Health Services managing WA MASS and refugee assistance programs in Washington.
ORIA → Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance under DSHS that screens and refers asylum seekers to services.
PRIME Case Management → Program by Lutheran Community Services Northwest offering case management for refugees within five years of arrival.

This Article in a Nutshell

Washington’s WA MASS supports recent asylum seekers not eligible federally, offering housing, legal aid, and care through mid-2025. With federal cuts, state programs are vital. Applicants must meet income and residency criteria with priority for vulnerable groups. Stay connected to DSHS ORIA for updates and eligibility checks.
— By VisaVerge.com