Alabama Resources
To find out about key benefits and services in Alabama and how to apply, select from the topics below.
Key State Contacts
Liz Kurtz
Matt Heffron
Cash & Food Assistance
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Cash assistance available to residents who enter the U.S. under humanitarian protection with low incomes
To apply, email elizabeth.kurtz@weinspirit.org or ask for assistance from Inspiritus in Birmingham or Dwell in Mobile.
Federal nutrition program
Cash assistance designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency
A program offering supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition information to low-income women who are pregnant or have children aged birth to five; WIC can be applied for in person by visiting a local WIC clinic.
A federal program supporting participants to attain self-sufficiency within 240 days (8 months) of arrival in the United States through financial, case management, and employment supports
If in the Birmingham area, send an email to terese.elkins@weinspirit.org. Note that there are no other MG programs in the state.
A program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
Refugee & Newcomer Health
- Domestic Medical Screening (Refugee Health Assessment)
The Alabama Office for Refugees partners with several health providers across the state to ensure the administration of the Refugee Medical Screening. Established medical screening providers are currently in Birmingham and Mobile.
Huntsville is currently in progress to also have a provider, but at the time of this resource map, one has not yet been set up.
State Refugee Health Coordinator: Matthew Heffron
Accessing Health Care
- Medicaid
Medicaid is available through an application with the State of Alabama for families with minor children.
Visit the Alabama Medicaid website
- Refugee Medical Assistance
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) is Medicaid coverage for those who are categorically ineligible for traditional Medicaid coverage. This includes adults without minor children, or adults who make too much money to receive Medicaid. RMA is available for up to one year from the individuals date of arrival.
Email elizabeth.kurtz@weinspirit.org for assistance
Seniors
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
The Social Security program in the United States provides protection against the loss of earnings due to retirement, death, or disability.
Find Housing
- Taryn Johnson
Taryn Johnson is the Housing Specialist who serves new arrivals in Birmingham. Taryn can assist in identifying new housing partners or help identify rental assistance programs.
Housing Counseling
HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.
Phone: 800-569-4287
Employment services through the resettlement network
The Matching Grant program helps refugees and other ORR-eligible populations overcome barriers and quickly find jobs. The intent is for refugees to become economically self-sufficient through employment within 240 days and without accessing cash assistance programs.
Documentation
Information and resources about obtaining a driver’s license or state ID
Language
K-12 Education
- Inspiritus (Birmingham area)
The Inspiritus Refugee School Impact Program is designed to assist school-aged children and their families in navigating school systems. Support includes case management, home visits, needs assessments, and liaising between students, families, and schools.
Contact Meagan Hampton (meagan.hampton@weinspirit.org) or Whitney Blee (whitney.connor@weinspirit.org) for enrollment.
Welcome Corps
Violence, Human Trafficking, and Exploitation
“AshaKiran’s mission is to address crises such as domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking in the foreign-born and other underserved communities, by offering culturally sensitive services and providing education to enhance understanding of cultural barriers.”
Transition
Match Grant, Extended Employment, Social Adjustment, Health Promotion, School Impact, and Youth Mentorship programs. Most, but not all, programs are available for refugees for up to five years.
Social Adjustment, Extended Employment, and English Language Instruction. Services are available for up to five years.