End of Time-eligibility Period

A refugee who has been in the country for more than the time-eligibility period set by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement is no longer eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance under the MRRP. As of August 1, 2016, time eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance expires at the end of the eighth month a refugee is in the U.S. A refugee may be eligible for assistance under other programs. The Case Management Provider shall review cases at least 30 days prior to the expiration of RCA and RMA eligibility and refer refugees to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, the Office of MassHealth or other agency(ies) that may offer support when it appears that such support or other services will be needed. The Case Management Provider shall make referrals in a timely manner that will minimize the chances of an interruption in assistance. If there is a dispute as to a refugee's date of entry, it shall be resolved by information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rather than by fair hearing. If such information is not available in the case record or its accuracy is disputed, the Case Management Provider shall assist the refugee in obtaining correct information from USCIS. Until corrected by USCIS, the date of entry into the U.S. shall be the date in the case record from USCIS.