Key Takeaways
• Georgia state refugee benefits require arrival after October 1, 2021, and residency before January 2025 suspension.
• DHS offers cash, medical, job support; DPH provides health screening and Medicaid for refugees and asylum seekers.
• IRC Atlanta helps refugees with housing, education, and legal aid but excludes new arrivals after January 2025.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Georgia in 2025, it’s important to know what support and resources are available to you, who qualifies, and what steps you can take if you don’t meet the requirements. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you qualify for state-level help, what you can expect, and what to do if you need more options.
Who Qualifies for Refugee Support in Georgia?
To receive most state-level support in Georgia, you must meet specific criteria. The main programs are managed by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), with help from groups like the International Rescue Committee (IRC).
Basic Qualification Criteria:
- You must be a refugee or an approved asylum seeker already living in Georgia as of July 2025.
- You must have arrived in the United States on or after October 1, 2021 to get certain cash and medical benefits.
- You must complete a health screening within 90 days of arrival (for those who arrived before the federal suspension in January 2025).
- You must apply for benefits through the correct agencies and provide the required documents.
Let’s break down each program, who qualifies, and what you get.
Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Refugee Program
The DHS Refugee Program is the main state agency helping refugees in Georgia. It focuses on helping you become independent and able to support yourself.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Refugee Status: You must have official refugee status, which means you were admitted to the United States as a refugee or granted asylum.
- Residency: You must live in Georgia.
- Arrival Date: To get Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), you must have arrived on or after October 1, 2021.
- Time Limit: These benefits are only available for your first 12 months in the United States.
What You Get:
- Job Help: Training, job placement, and help finding work.
- Cash Assistance: RCA for up to 12 months after arrival.
- Medical Assistance: RMA for up to 12 months after arrival.
- Help with Public Benefits: Assistance applying for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Interpreter Services: Free help in your language.
How to Apply:
- Contact the Multi-County Refugee Resettlement Unit or your local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office.
- Call 1-877-423-4746 for help or visit the Georgia DHS Refugee Program page.
Examples:
- Example 1: If you arrived in Georgia as a refugee in November 2023, you can get RCA and RMA until November 2024.
- Example 2: If you arrived in January 2025, you are not eligible for new benefits because the federal program is suspended, but you can still get help from local nonprofits.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not a Refugee or Asylum Seeker: If you entered the United States on a student, tourist, or work visa, you do not qualify.
- Arrival Before October 1, 2021: You are not eligible for RCA or RMA.
- More Than 12 Months Since Arrival: You are no longer eligible for RCA or RMA, but you may still qualify for other public benefits.
Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Refugee Health Program
DPH helps protect your health and well-being when you first arrive.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Refugee or Asylum Status: You must be a newly arrived refugee or approved asylum seeker.
- Arrival Date: You must have arrived before the federal suspension in January 2025.
- Health Screening: You must complete a health assessment within 90 days of arrival.
What You Get:
- Health Screening: A full check-up to find and treat any health problems.
- Medicaid Coverage: For arrivals before May 5, 2025, you get Medicaid for 12 months. For arrivals on or after May 5, 2025, Medicaid lasts 4 months.
- Follow-Up Care: Help finding doctors and getting medical treatment.
How to Apply:
- Your resettlement agency or local health department will help you schedule your health screening.
- For more information, visit the Georgia DPH Refugee Health Program page.
Examples:
- Example 1: If you arrived in March 2025, you get Medicaid for 12 months.
- Example 2: If you arrived in June 2025, you get Medicaid for 4 months.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Missed Health Screening: If you do not complete your health screening within 90 days, you may lose access to some benefits.
- Not a Refugee or Asylum Seeker: Other immigrants are not eligible for this program.
Nonprofit Support: International Rescue Committee (IRC) Atlanta
Even though the federal refugee program is suspended, the IRC in Atlanta still helps refugees already living in Georgia.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Refugee or Asylum Status: You must have refugee or asylum status and live in Georgia.
- Already in Georgia: You must have arrived before the federal suspension in January 2025.
What You Get:
- Safe Housing: Help finding and paying for a place to live.
- Healthcare Access: Help signing up for health insurance and finding doctors.
- Food Assistance: Help getting healthy food.
- English Classes: Free classes to learn English.
- Job Training: Help learning job skills and finding work.
- Education Support: Help enrolling children in school.
- Community Support: Help connecting with others from your home country.
- Immigration Services: Help applying for permanent residency and citizenship.
How to Apply:
- Contact the IRC in Atlanta through their official website or visit their office.
Examples:
- Example 1: A refugee family who arrived in 2024 can get help with rent, job training, and enrolling their children in school.
- Example 2: An asylum seeker who was approved in 2023 can get help applying for a green card.
Disqualifying Factors:
- Not a Refugee or Asylum Seeker: Other immigrants are not eligible for IRC’s refugee services.
- Arrived After January 2025: New arrivals are not being accepted due to the federal suspension.
Impact of the Federal Refugee Program Suspension
As of January 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 has suspended its federal refugee resettlement program. This means:
- No new refugees are being resettled in Georgia or anywhere else in the United States 🇺🇸.
- State and local programs are only helping refugees who arrived before January 2025.
- Nonprofits and agencies are focusing on helping current residents, not new arrivals.
Who Is Not Eligible Due to the Suspension?
- Anyone arriving after January 20, 2025: You cannot get state or federal refugee benefits.
- People waiting overseas: You cannot enter the United States 🇺🇸 as a refugee until the suspension is lifted.
- People in the asylum process who have not yet been approved: You may not qualify for most state-level refugee benefits.
Alternative Options If You Are Not Eligible
If you do not qualify for refugee benefits in Georgia, there are still some options to consider:
1. Public Benefits for Low-Income Residents
- You may still qualify for general public benefits like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or TANF if you meet income and residency requirements.
- Apply through Gateway.ga.gov.
2. Legal Aid and Advocacy Groups
- Organizations like the Georgia Legal Services Program and Catholic Charities may help with legal advice and other support.
- They can help you understand your rights and options if you are not eligible for refugee programs.
3. Community Support
- Local churches, mosques, and community centers often provide food, clothing, and other help to immigrants in need.
- Ask about local resources in your area.
4. English Classes and Job Training
- Many community colleges and nonprofits offer free or low-cost English classes and job training, even if you are not a refugee.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Support
If you are not currently eligible, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances in the future:
1. Stay Informed About Policy Changes
- The federal refugee program may restart in the future. Stay in touch with the Georgia Department of Human Services and local nonprofits for updates.
- Advocacy groups are working to restore the program, so changes could happen.
2. Keep Your Documents Up to Date
- Make sure you have all your immigration papers, proof of residency, and any letters from the government.
- If you are in the asylum process, keep copies of all your applications and decisions.
3. Build Community Connections
- Join local support groups or community organizations. They can help you find resources and stay informed.
4. Seek Legal Advice
- If you are unsure about your status or eligibility, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer or a trusted nonprofit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I arrived in Georgia as a refugee in February 2025. Can I get state benefits?
A: No. Because the federal refugee program was suspended in January 2025, you are not eligible for new state or federal refugee benefits. You may still get help from local nonprofits or apply for general public benefits if you qualify.
Q: I am an asylum seeker waiting for my case to be decided. Can I get refugee benefits?
A: No. Only approved refugees and asylum seekers are eligible. If your asylum is approved, you may qualify for some benefits, but the suspension may limit your options.
Q: What if I miss my health screening within 90 days?
A: You may lose access to some health benefits. Contact your local health department or resettlement agency as soon as possible to see if you can still get screened.
Q: Can I get help with finding a job or learning English?
A: Yes. If you are a refugee or approved asylum seeker, you can get job help and English classes from the DHS Refugee Program or the IRC. If not, look for community colleges or nonprofits that offer these services to all immigrants.
Key Contacts and Resources
- Georgia Department of Human Services Refugee Program: 1-877-423-4746 or dhs.ga.gov
- Georgia Department of Public Health Refugee Health Program: dph.georgia.gov
- International Rescue Committee Atlanta: rescue.org/united-states/atlanta-ga
- Multi-County Refugee Resettlement Unit: Apply for benefits at Gateway.ga.gov
Summary and Next Steps
In 2025, Georgia offers strong support for refugees and asylum seekers who arrived before the federal suspension in January. The Georgia Department of Human Services and the Georgia Department of Public Health provide cash, medical, and job help, while nonprofits like the IRC offer housing, education, and community support. However, new arrivals after January 2025 are not eligible for these programs due to the federal pause.
If you are not eligible, look for general public benefits, legal help, and community resources. Keep your documents ready, stay informed about policy changes, and connect with local organizations for support.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation for refugees in Georgia may change if the federal government restarts the refugee program. For the most current information and to check your eligibility, visit the Georgia DHS Refugee Program page.
By understanding the rules and knowing where to get help, you can make the best choices for yourself and your family in Georgia.
Learn Today
Refugee → A person forced to leave their country due to persecution, eligible for specific assistance programs.
Asylum Seeker → An individual seeking protection and legal status after fleeing persecution in their home country.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) → Temporary cash benefits for refugees during their first 12 months in the U.S., managed by DHS.
Health Screening → A mandatory medical assessment within 90 days of arrival to identify and treat health issues.
Federal Suspension → A halt on new refugee admissions by the U.S. government beginning January 2025, limiting benefits.
This Article in a Nutshell
Georgia’s 2025 refugee support helps arrivals before January suspension through DHS, DPH, and IRC services. New arrivals lack eligibility due to federal pause, but public benefits and legal aid offer alternatives. Staying informed and completing medical screenings remain key for accessing available aid in Georgia.
— By VisaVerge.com
