Federal Government Shutdown

Programs overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance – including Public Assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – are not immediately affected by the federal government shutdown and are continuing to operate. Benefits will continue to be provided, and use of benefit cards are not impacted by the shutdown. Additionally, applications for these programs overseen by OTDA will continue to be accepted at this time. This message will be updated if additional information becomes available.

Last updated: October 1, 2025, 9:10 AM

Refugee Services (RS)

OTDA Home Programs & Services Refugee Services Programs What Populations Do Refugee Services Programs Serve?

What Populations Do Refugee Services Programs Serve?

Unless otherwise noted Refugee Services programs serve the following eligible status:

  • A refugee, admitted under Section 207 of Immigration Naturalization Act (INA);
  • An asylee, granted asylum status under Section 208 of the INA;
  • A Cuban or Haitian entrant (as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 501 of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980);
  • An alien admitted into the United States as an Amerasian immigrant as described in Section 402(a) 2 (A) (I) (V) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 USC. 1612 (a) 2 (A);
  • A parolee admitted as a refugee under section 212(d) (5) of the INA;
  • A certified trafficking victim who has received a certification or eligibility letter from the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR);
  • Certain family members of a certified trafficking victim as described in Section 101 (A) (15) (T) (ii) of the INA;
  • Iraqis and Afghans granted special immigrant status as described in Section 101 (a) (27) of the INA; and
  • A lawful permanent resident admitted for permanent residence, provided that the individual previously held one of the aforementioned statuses above.

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