Florida Resources
To find out about key benefits and services in Florida and how to apply, select from the topics below.
Key State Contacts
- https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/refugee-services/refugee-services-contact-information
- Please reach out to the appropriate “Local Community Points of Contact” with any specific questions related to refugee services in your area.
National-level PSOs
- Alight
- Catholic Charities of Onondaga County
- Church World Service
- Ethiopian Community Development Council
- HIAS
- Homes for Refugees USA
- IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
- International Institute of Metropolitan St. Louis
- International Rescue Committee
- Rainbow Railroad
- WelcomeNST
- World Relief
Cash & Food Assistance
Cash assistance available to residents who enter the U.S. under humanitarian protection with low incomes
Federal nutrition plan
Cash assistance designed to help low-income families achieve self-sufficiency
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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
To apply for WIC, contact a local WIC office. Find the local phone number in the list or call 1-800-342-3556 and ask for the phone number of your local WIC office.
The local WIC office will give you an appointment to see if you are eligible for WIC. At this visit, your household income and the medical/nutrition status of each applicant will be reviewed.
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
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
Florida Department of Health’s information page on the Refugee Health Program in Florida
Seniors
- Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare three 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.
Please note that there are no specialized housing supports or access specifically for new arrivals.
Assistance with Housing Costs
Request housing assistance by clicking the link above, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that reads “Comprehensive Refugee Services.” Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
Helps residents maintain housing stability
Call 211 (24/7) to speak to a Community Resource Specialist
Housing Counseling
- HUD Housing Counseling
HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.
Orientation
Register by clicking the link above, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that reads “Comprehensive Refugee Services.” Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
Employment services through the resettlement network
Register by clicking the link above, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that states “Employment Services.” If no “Employment Services” link exists, instead click on the link that states “Comprehensive Refugee Services.”
Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
Other employment services
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
General information can be found on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle website
Provides Social Security numbers and administers retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enrolls individuals in Medicare
Language
Register by clicking the link, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that states “Adult Education Services.” If no “Adult Education Services” link exists, instead click on the link that states “Comprehensive Refugee Services.”
Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
Childcare
Register by clicking the link, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that states “Child Care Services.” If no “Child Care Services” link exists, instead click on the link that states “Comprehensive Refugee Services.”
Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
K-12 Education
Register by clicking the link above, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that states “Youth and Mentoring Programs.” If no “Youth and Mentoring Programs” link exists, instead click on the link that states “Comprehensive Refugee Services.”
Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.
ORR-funded legal services
Register by clicking the link, then find the region where the refugee resides. Click the link that states “Employment Related Immigration Services.” If no “Employment Related Immigration Services” link exists, instead click on the link that states “Comprehensive Refugee Services.”
Use the provided contact information (phone number, website, email) to connect with the provider and set up an appointment.