Resources for Ukrainians
Public/ORR Benefits: Ukrainians and non-Ukrainian individuals who last habitually resided in Ukraine who have been granted humanitarian parole are eligible for federal “mainstream” services including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), health insurance through Medicaid, and food assistance through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If you need assistance applying for these benefits, your local Inspiritus office may be able to assist.
ORR Services: The Office of Refugee Resettlement has funded Inspiritus to provide benefits and services for Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees. Click on the city above to learn about the services you are eligible for through Inspiritus. If you are not located near an Inspiritus office, click here to find resources in your state.
Eligibility Documentation: To access public benefits and/or services you must provide proof of nationality, Ukrainian humanitarian parole documentation, and the date you received humanitarian parole. Beginning on May 21, 2022, or the date you received humanitarian parole, whichever is later, you can apply for public benefits through your local state benefit offices and for services through your local Inspiritus office.
Family Reunification: The Lautenberg Amendment allows certain individuals legally residing in the United States to bring their family members to the U.S. The Lautenberg program was renewed for new applications in March 2022. To access the program, you must apply through a resettlement agency in your area; applications will only be considered if they come through a local resettlement office. Inspiritus is a resettlement office in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. To apply, please contact Inspiritus’ Immigration Legal Services team.
Employment Authorization: Ukrainians granted humanitarian parole will maintain their immigration status for two years and will be eligible to apply for discretionary employment authorization from USCIS. To apply for discretionary employment authorization, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, using the (c)(11) category code with the required fee or apply for a fee waiver. If you need assistance applying for an Employment Authorization Document, please contact Inspiritus’ Immigration Legal Services team. Please contact your local resettlement office for assistance.
Temporary Protected Status: Ukrainians who have been in the U.S. since April 19th, 2022 are eligible to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS recipients are also able to apply for employment authorization. To be eligible for TPS, Ukrainians must submit an Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) and pay the filing fee (or submit a Request for a Fee Waiver Form I-912) and be a Ukrainian national or noncitizen having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine, have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2022, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since April 19, 2022.
How You Can Help
Inspiritus’ Refugee Services program relies on the dedicated support of our numerous volunteers and other supporters. Find out more about how you can help by volunteering, employing a refugee, or hosting a fundraising event.
How to Sponsor Ukrainian Refugees:
Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members who are outside the United States to come to the United States and stay temporarily, with a period of parole up to two years. To qualify for the program, Ukrainians must have a sponsor in the United States—an individual or group that officially agrees to take on financial responsibility for the individual or family. Apply here to become a sponsor through USCIS.
