The U.S. Repatriate Program provides temporary assistance, care and treatment for persons after they have returned to the U.S. Any assistance given under this program is like a loan which must be repaid to the U.S. Government.

Temporary assistance under this program may include money needed for food, shelter, clothing and transportation. It may also include payment for special services needed such as medical and psychiatric care. The amount and type of assistance provided is determined by a local social service agency according to the state’s standards for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program.

As part of the program of assistance – guidance, counseling and, if necessary, vocational rehabilitation services may also be provided to assist Repatriates to reintegrate and ultimately become financially independent within a short time frame.

Federal assistance to destitute and ill citizens returned to the U.S. from foreign countries is authorized by Section 1113 of the Social Security Act. Assistance to U.S. citizens who are returned to the U.S. from foreign countries because of mental illness is authorized by Public Law 86-571.

Who is Eligible for Assistance?

A Repatriate must meet four qualifications to be eligible for assistance under the Repatriate Program. They are:

Certification: Eligibility must be certified by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Citizenship: The Repat must be a U.S. citizen or the dependent of a U.S. citizen. Those who qualify as a dependent of a U.S. citizen include: spouse, parents, spouse’s parents, grandparents, unmarried minor children including adopted children and stepchildren, unmarried adult children who are dependent because they have disabilities, including adopted children and stepchildren, and minor siblings of the U.S. citizen and his/her spouse.

Within the U.S.: Repat must be in the U.S., having returned from a foreign country because of being destitute or ill (including mentally disabled), or because of war, threat of war or similar crisis.

Need: Repat must be without available resources for living expenses.

Eligibility for the Repatriation Program is based on certification by the U.S. State Department, U.S. citizenship and individual need. Assistance is available without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Repayment of the cost of assistance is required.

How the Program Works

The U.S. Department of State certifies the individuals or families who qualify for assistance under this program. If a Repat is to return to the U.S. because of destitution or illness and needs assistance after arrival in the U.S., the U.S. Department of State will notify the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the situation, the arrival time and the final destination. This information is provided by a U.S. Consular office abroad.

When necessary, the Administration for Children and Families will arrange with a social service agency in the State where the Repat will arrive to have a social worker meet the individual or family. The worker will provide needed services such as transportation, medical care and temporary financial assistance.

All information that is provided to the local social service agency by the Repatriate will be held in strict confidence.

If a Repatriate needs assistance with getting reestablished in his/her home area, he/she will be referred to the local social service agency in his/her area. In addition to temporary financial aid, the social service agency will assess the need and provide assistance with vocational or occupational training; child welfare and medical services. The agency will also assist the Repatriate in making application for benefits under other government programs for which the individual or family may qualify.

How Long Can You Receive Repatriation Aid?

A Repatriate may receive temporary assistance under the U.S. Repatriate Program for up to 90 days from the date of arrival in the U.S. If the Repatriate attains other resources or secure income from employment, he/she will no longer be eligible for temporary assistance under the Repatriation Program. Repatriates are encourged to secure their own resources as soon as possible.

If, in the judgment of the social service agency which is providing assistance, the Repatriate is unable to attain self-support or self-care for such reasons as age, disability or lack of vocational preparation, and is not eligible for other assistance programs, temporary Repatriation assistance may be extended. The social service agency must receive prior written authorization for this extension from the Administration for Children and Families Office of Refugee Resettlement.

While a Repatriate is receiving temporary assistance under the U.S. Repatriate Program, he/she must report promptly to his/her local social service agency any circumstance or change that may affect eligibility for continued assistance.

Repayment

If a Repatriate receives assistance under the U.S. Repatriate Program, he/she is required to repay the cost of such assistance to the U.S. Government. When a Repatriate is first assisted at the time of arrival in the U.S., he/she will be required to sign an agreement that he/she will repay the U.S. Government for the cost of assistance provided. The Administration for Children and Families will send a letter informing the Repatriate that the amount of his/her debt can be paid in full immediately or in monthly payments. In addition, the Repatriate will be asked to return his/her repayment plan to the Administration for Children and Families by a specific date. If a Repatriate fails to return this plan, or is delinquent with payments, interest and penalties will be assessed.

Additional Information

Specific questions about the U.S. Repatriate Program or about applying for assistance under the program should be directed to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement at the address below, or to the nearest social service agency.

US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
ADMINSITRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT
370 L’Enfant Promenade SWWashington, DC 20447

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