Persons who are granted asylum status in the US are eligible to apply for “refugee resettlement benefits.” A change in federal policy announced by the US Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), effective June 14, 2000, providing that the date of asylum grant is to be recognized as the date of entry, now recognizes and procedurally makes it possible for asylees to have the same eligibility rights for “refugee resettlement benefits” as those which being provided to persons in the United States with refugee status. Among other things, eligibility for these benefits also requires applicants to be income eligible.

Refugee assistance consists of:

Cash and /or medical assistance for up to 8 months.
Employment services for up to 24 months.
Regardless of income, all asylees are eligible for a refugee health assessment within 90 days of their grant.