State-Level Refugee Support and Resources in Kansas for 2025

Key Takeaways

• Kansas Office for Refugees offers cash, medical, and job support for eligible refugees arriving within eight months.
• Programs include Refugee Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Employability Program, and case management services.
• Federal refugee admissions suspended in 2025, limiting new arrivals and reducing funding for resettlement agencies.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Kansas in 2025, you may be wondering what support is available, who qualifies, and how to access these resources. The Kansas Office for Refugees (KSOR), working under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), is the main agency responsible for helping refugees settle and build new lives in the state. This guide will help you understand if you qualify for these programs, what the requirements are, what might disqualify you, and what to do if you are not eligible.

Who Qualifies for Kansas Refugee Support Programs?

To receive help from the Kansas Office for Refugees, you must meet certain criteria. The main groups who qualify are:

• Refugees: People who have been forced to leave their home country due to war, violence, or persecution and have been given refugee status by the United States 🇺🇸 government.
• Asylees: People already in the United States 🇺🇸 who have applied for and been granted asylum because they fear harm in their home country.
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders: People from certain countries (like Afghanistan or Iraq) who worked with the U.S. government and received a special visa.
• Cuban and Haitian Entrants: People from Cuba or Haiti who have been allowed to enter and stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for humanitarian reasons.
• Victims of Human Trafficking: People who have been brought to the United States 🇺🇸 against their will and have received special status.

If you are in one of these groups and have arrived in Kansas, you may be eligible for state-level support. However, there are some important details and exceptions, especially due to recent federal policy changes.

Detailed Requirements for Each Program

Let’s look at the main programs run by the Kansas Office for Refugees and what you need to qualify for each one.

1. Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

• Who qualifies: Refugees, asylees, SIV holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and trafficking victims who are not eligible for other cash assistance programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• What it provides: Up to four months of direct financial help to pay for basic needs like food, rent, and utilities.
• Key requirements:
  • You must have arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 within the last eight months.
  • You must not qualify for other cash assistance programs.
  • You must be actively looking for work or participating in employment services.
• Example: If you are a newly arrived refugee family and do not qualify for TANF, you can receive RCA for up to four months while you look for a job.
• Disqualifying factors: If you already receive TANF or similar state cash aid, you cannot get RCA. If you do not participate in job search activities, your benefits may stop.
• How to apply: Contact the Kansas Office for Refugees or a local resettlement agency. You may need to fill out forms and show your immigration documents. For more information, you can visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s RCA page.

2. Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

• Who qualifies: Same groups as RCA—refugees, asylees, SIV holders, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and trafficking victims—who do not qualify for Medicaid or other health insurance.
• What it provides: Up to four months of health insurance coverage, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
• Key requirements:
  • You must have arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 within the last eight months.
  • You must not be eligible for Medicaid or other public health insurance.
• Example: If you are a single adult refugee who does not qualify for Medicaid, you can get RMA for your first four months in Kansas.
• Disqualifying factors: If you qualify for Medicaid or another health insurance program, you cannot receive RMA.
• How to apply: Apply through the Kansas Office for Refugees or a partner agency. You will need to show your immigration documents and proof of income.

3. Medical Screening (MS)

• Who qualifies: All newly arrived refugees and eligible groups.
• What it provides: A full health check, including tests for diseases, mental health screening, and referrals for treatment if needed.
• Key requirements:
  • You must be a new arrival in Kansas.
  • You should complete the screening within 30 days of arrival.
• Example: A refugee family arriving in Kansas will be scheduled for medical screening to check for tuberculosis and other health issues.
• Disqualifying factors: If you refuse the screening or miss appointments, you may not get further health support.
• How to access: The Kansas Office for Refugees or your resettlement agency will help you schedule your screening.

4. Employability Program (EMP)

• Who qualifies: All refugees and eligible groups who are able to work.
• What it provides: Help with finding a job, job training, English classes, transportation, and support with work permits.
• Key requirements:
  • You must be willing and able to work.
  • You must participate in job search and training activities.
• Example: A refugee who speaks little English can get help with language classes and job placement through EMP.
• Disqualifying factors: If you refuse to look for work or do not attend required activities, you may lose benefits.
• How to join: Ask your case manager at the Kansas Office for Refugees or a partner agency.

5. Case Management and Social Services

• Who qualifies: All refugees and eligible groups.
• What it provides: Help with housing, school enrollment, legal paperwork, and connecting to community resources.
• Key requirements: Must be a refugee or eligible group living in Kansas.
• Example: A family needing help enrolling their children in school can get support from their case manager.
• Disqualifying factors: None, as long as you are eligible for refugee services.

Disqualifying Factors and Common Reasons for Ineligibility

While many refugees and asylees qualify for these programs, there are some reasons you might not be eligible:

• Already receiving other government benefits: If you get TANF or Medicaid, you cannot get RCA or RMA.
• Not participating in required activities: If you do not attend job training or look for work, you may lose your benefits.
• Arrived more than eight months ago: Most cash and medical assistance is only for people who arrived recently.
• Not in an eligible immigration category: If you are an undocumented immigrant or have not been granted refugee, asylee, SIV, or similar status, you do not qualify for these programs.

Alternative Options if Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for Kansas Office for Refugees programs, there are still some ways to get help:

• Community and Faith-Based Organizations: Groups like Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Della Lamb Community Services, and Jewish Vocational Service offer help with food, housing, job search, and legal advice. They may have programs for people who do not meet strict government rules.
• Welcome Corps: This is a private sponsorship program where local families or groups help refugees settle in Kansas. While the federal suspension of new refugee admissions has slowed this program, it may become more active if policies change.
• Local Food Banks and Shelters: Many cities in Kansas have food pantries, shelters, and free clinics open to anyone in need.
• Legal Aid Services: If you are seeking asylum or have questions about your status, legal aid groups can help you understand your rights and options.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying

If you are hoping to get help from the Kansas Office for Refugees, here are some steps you can take:

• Keep your immigration documents safe and up to date. You will need to show proof of your status to get help.
• Apply as soon as possible after arriving in Kansas. Most programs have time limits for new arrivals.
• Participate fully in job search and training programs. Showing you are trying to become self-sufficient helps you keep your benefits.
• Stay in touch with your case manager. They can help you find new programs and answer questions about your eligibility.
• Ask about English classes and job training. These services can help you find work faster and may open up more support options.

Examples of How the Programs Work

Let’s look at some real-life scenarios:

• Example 1: A family from Afghanistan arrives in Kansas in March 2025. They do not qualify for TANF or Medicaid. They receive four months of Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance, get health screenings, and join English classes. The parents attend job training and find work within three months.
• Example 2: A Cuban entrant arrives in Kansas but already receives Medicaid. They are not eligible for RMA but can still get help with job search and English classes through the Employability Program.
• Example 3: An asylee who arrived in Kansas ten months ago is not eligible for RCA or RMA but can get help from Catholic Charities with food, housing, and legal advice.

Impact of Federal Policy Changes in 2025

In January 2025, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was suspended by executive order. This means:

• No new refugees are being admitted to the United States 🇺🇸 for now.
• Federal funding for resettlement agencies has been cut, making it harder for agencies to provide services.
• Refugees already in Kansas can still get help, but new arrivals and family reunifications are delayed.
• Local agencies are relying more on community support, volunteers, and private donations to keep programs running.

Despite these challenges, the Kansas Office for Refugees and its partners are working hard to support refugees already in the state. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, local agencies have adapted by building stronger community partnerships and finding new ways to fund essential services.

Key Agencies and How to Contact Them

If you need help or want to check your eligibility, contact these agencies:

• Kansas Office for Refugees (KSOR): Main agency for refugee programs in Kansas. Visit their website at ksor.org for information and contact details.
• Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas: Offers case management, English classes, citizenship help, and more. Visit catholiccharitiesks.org/refugee-and-immigration.
• Della Lamb Community Services: Provides housing, health, language, and legal services in the Kansas City area.
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): Focuses on job placement and vocational training for refugees.

What to Expect in the Future

The current suspension of new refugee admissions may change, as there are ongoing legal and political efforts to restart the program. Kansas agencies are preparing for the possibility of new arrivals by expanding job training and integration programs. The Welcome Corps and other private sponsorship models may also become more important in the future.

In the meantime, community support and local fundraising are keeping many programs alive. If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Kansas, staying connected to these agencies and being proactive about your needs will help you make the most of the resources available.

Summary Table: Quick Reference for Kansas Refugee Support (2025)

Final Takeaways and Practical Steps

• Check your eligibility as soon as you arrive in Kansas.
• Gather your documents and keep them safe.
• Contact the Kansas Office for Refugees or a local agency for help with applications.
• Participate in job search and training programs to keep your benefits and improve your chances of finding work.
• If you are not eligible, look for help from community groups, faith-based organizations, and legal aid services.

For more details on eligibility and programs, you can visit the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s official website. Staying informed and connected will help you make the most of the support available in Kansas as you start your new life.

Learn Today

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) → Financial aid up to four months for refugees not eligible for other cash programs, to cover basic needs.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) → Temporary health coverage for refugees without Medicaid, covering doctor visits and prescriptions for four months.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → Visa for certain nationals who worked with the U.S. government, granting eligibility for refugee benefits.
Employability Program (EMP) → Support service offering job training, English classes, and job placement for refugees able to work.
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) → Federal agency overseeing refugee resettlement and assistance programs in coordination with states.

This Article in a Nutshell

Refugees in Kansas can access cash, medical, and employment support if they qualify within eight months of arrival. Despite federal suspension, local agencies and community groups provide vital assistance. Staying informed and connected helps refugees navigate programs and build new lives amid challenging policy changes in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com