Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Department of Human Services Search Site

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 agencies help refugees get connected to services.

List of resettlement agencies

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 4 months, or who received their qualifying status within the past 4 months. Refugees who received their status before May 5, 2025, may be eligible for up to 12 months from their arrival date.
  • 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 can get support through Refugee Cash (REF) and Refugee Medical (REFM) programs for up to 4 months after being granted refugee 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

  • Most refugees are eligible for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) medical benefits when their refugee status is granted.
  • If they start working and their income goes over the limit for OHP, they may be able to keep getting the same medical benefits through the Refugee Medical 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 Refugee Resettlement Agency​.

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 Resettlement Agency​, 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.​

Salem for Refugees

  • ​​In the Salem and Corvallis areas, 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.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies

Refugees can also access other programs in their community.

Local Refugee ​Resettlement Agencies 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.​


Additional Ukrainian and Afghan services are available through the 6 refugee resettlement agencies in Oregon. These services include limited housing assistance and legal services.

  • ​Cuban and Haitian Assistance Program (CHAP) helps provide limited legal assistance services to Cuban and Haitian Entrants. This includes support with getting Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) and Adjustment of Status. Sponsors Organized to Assist Refugees (SOAR) provides CHAP services statewide.
  • Oregon Refugee Children Assistance Services (ORCAS) helps children ages 0-18 and their parents with early learning, school enrollment, understanding the school system, school outreach, orientations and enhanced academic support. This can help refugee children succeed in school. These services are provided statewide by the following partners:
  • 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, including culturally specific meals, and help with the citizenship applications process. The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization​ (IRCO) provides Senior Services statewide.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies (RRAs) 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.