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Refugee Services

Refugees and others with an eligible immigration status can get help with cash, medical, employment and other services when they first come to Oregon. Oregon gets funding to provide these services from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and State Legislature. Local Resettlement Providers help refugees get connected to services.

List of Local Resettlement Providers

Learn about programs and services below. 

Refugee cash and medical benefits

Refugee cash and medical benefits are for peop​le who:

  • Have an ​eligible immigration status.
  • Are not receiving/eligible for:
    • TANF, if applying for refugee cash assistance
    • Medicaid, if applying for refugee medical benefits 
  • ​Have been in the U.S. as a refugee for less than 12 months, or who received their qualifying status within the past 12 months.
  • Live in Oregon.
  • Meet income standards.
  • Are not a full-time student in college.

Families with children 18 or younger ​may be able to get ​cash benefits through the TANF program. Visit the TANF page ​to learn more.​

Refugees and others can get support through Refugee Cash (REF) and Refugee Medical (REFM) programs for up to 12 months after being granted an eligible immigration status.​

Refugee ​​Cash Program

  • ​People who qualify for refugee cash benefits get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to use.
  • The EBT card is used like a debit card to buy items or withdraw cash.
  • Money is deposited onto the EBT card every month. The amount depends on the person's income and if they are single or a couple.

Families with children should apply for cash benefits through the TANF program.

Refugee Med​​ical Program

You can apply online, by phone or in person at a local o​​ffice​. 

​Apply now

If you need help to apply, contact a Local Resettlement Provider​.

More resources

Refugees can apply for other programs through the Oregon Department of Human Services, including: 

You can apply for any of these services at a local ODHS office​. If you’re connected to a Local Resettlement Provider​, ODHS will work with them to help you apply.​

IRCO

  • In the greater Portland Metro area, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) can help with English language instruction, vocational training, on-the-job training, employment and job placement services. These services may be available for up to 5 years after arrival in the U.S.​ IRCO also provides statewide virtual employment services to eligible individuals.

Salem for Refugees

  • ​​In Salem, Corvallis and Eugene, Salem for Refugees​ (SFR) can help with English language instruction, vocational training, on-the-job training, employment and job placement services. These services may be available for up to 5 years after arrival in the U.S. SFR also provides statewide virtual employment services to eligible individuals.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Refugees can also access other programs in their community.

Local Local Resettlement Providers can help refugees with Extended Case Management services (ECM) for up to 24 months during their first 5 years in the U.S. The 24 months don't have to be consecutive. For example, a refugee could get services for 18 months when they first arrive, and later on get services for 6 more months, for a total of 24 months.​


  • ​ Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) helps to promote the health and well-being of refugees. RHP consists of health education classes, medical and mental health care navigation and support, and group activities. The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) provides RHP services statewide. 

  • Senior Services help prevent isolation for refugees ages 60 and older. Senior Services include a variety of social activities, case management, culturally specific meals, and help with the citizenship applications process. The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization​ (IRCO) provides Senior Services statewide.

  • Youth Mentorship helps promote positive civic and social engagement, education and vocational advancement for refugees ages 18-24. Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) provides Youth Mentorship services in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties.

Local Resettlement Providers(LRPs) in Oregon

For questions about refugee policy: You can email refugee.policy@odhs.oregon.gov or call the ODHS Central Office at 503-945-5600.