Services Available To 

Victims of Human Trafficking

A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS
Table of Contents

Introduction ...........................................................................................................................

Resources for Pre-Certified Victims .................................................................................

Community Resources ...........................................................................

State-Funded Assistance ........................................................................

Federal Assistance ..................................................................................

Certification for Foreign Victims ....................................................................................... 

Federal Benefits and Services ...........................................................

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ...................

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) .............................................

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) .........

U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) ..................................................

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) .......................................................

U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) ...........................................

U.S. Department of Education (ED) ..................................................

Additional Resources .......................................................................................................

	 Resources for Initiating Services for Certified Victims .......................

Resources for Initiating Services for U.S. Citizen and Lawful 

	 Permanent Resident Victims ...............................................................

1

2

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6

8

12

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20

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26

28

29

31

31

 

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1

Introduction T

he Trafficking Victims Protection Act 

of 2000 (TVPA) authorizes the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human 

Services to certify foreign victims of a 

severe form of trafficking in persons, making 

these individuals eligible for federally funded 

benefits and services to the same extent as 

refugees. Victims of human trafficking are 

subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the 

purpose of commercial sex or labor; they can be 

young children, teenagers, men, and women. 

There are many benefits and services available 

for foreign trafficking victims, including 

Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance, the 

Matching Grant Program, the Public Housing 

Program, and Job Corps. In addition, there 

are many community resources available for 

them. Trafficking victims generally are not able 

to obtain these resources by themselves; they 

need social services providers to assist them in 

accessing benefits and services so that they can 

achieve self-sufficiency, become survivors of 

human trafficking, and rebuild their lives in the 

United States.

Social services providers play an important role 

in helping victims of human trafficking restore 

their lives. The needs of trafficking victims tend 

to be complex, often involving interactions with 

multi-jurisdictional law enforcement personnel, 

lawyers, and an array of benefit providers. Also, 

service providers must consider the varying 

levels of trauma the victim has endured and the 

victim’s cultural background when addressing 

his or her needs. This booklet can guide service 

providers in helping their clients access services. 

It briefly describes the many community and 

State-funded resources available for victims. In 

addition, it outlines the types of Federal benefits 

and services available to trafficking victims in 

various immigration categories. 
2

Resources for Pre-Certified Victims

Pre-certified victims are persons who are neither U.S. citizens nor Lawful Permanent 

Residents (“foreign victims”) and who have not yet received a Certification Letter 

from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allowing them 

to access federally funded benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. There 

are many resources available to pre-certified victims, and many nongovernmental 

organizations (NGOs) are very knowledgeable and helpful in using community 

resources to assist victims.

Community Resources

Here are some of the local resources NGOs can use for victims:

•	 Food: Food pantries; soup kitchens; faith-based food programs; supermarkets/

restaurants/bakeries providing day-old, slightly damaged, or leftover food items 

to charitable organizations

•	 Shelter: Domestic violence/women’s shelters; runaway and homeless youth 

shelters; transitional housing programs; shelters for undocumented immigrants 

(usually for men); and faith-based housing programs, such as the Catholic 

Worker Movement that provides housing opportunities in many U.S. 

communities (http://www.catholicworker.org/communities/commlistall.

cfm); some faith-based organizations donate rent money or identify church 

members who can offer temporary housing; temporary shelter in seminaries, 

convents, or school dorms; State foster care for eligible children; state or local 

housing and community development agencies can provide lists of affordable 

housing projects and identify non-profit organizations that manage affordable 

housing

•	Clothing and Goods: Local chapters of national organizations providing clothing 

and goods (Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, AMVETS Thrift 

Stores); many nonprofits operating thrift stores offer free clothing giveaways; 

professional clothing donation services, such as local Dress for Success® affiliates 

(http://www.dressforsuccess.org/dfs_affiliates.aspx) or The Women’s Alliance 

(http://www.thewomensalliance.org/); similar locally operated programs can 

be found through Internet search engines; some churches, schools, and hospitals 

operate clothing drives/clothing banks; refugee resettlement agencies provide 

donated goods; yard sales are excellent sources for inexpensive used clothing 

and household goods; many department stores give away damaged and outof-season clothing to charitable organizations; community dry cleaners may 

operate clothing donation drop-off sites; hotels may donate old furniture when 

renovating or they may be willing to provide shampoo and other toiletries; 

sexual assault crisis center clothing collections; churches, businesses, and civic 

organizations may be willing to donate gift cards for grocery stores or discount 

department stores
3

•	Medical: Community health centers; migrant health clinics; city clinics; 

homeless clinics; free clinics at universities or in communities; health fairs at 

community hospitals (for preventive services); county mental health clinics; 

health programs operated out of NGOs; substance abuse services; maternal and 

child health programs; parenting classes

•	 Legal: Legal aid clinics/agencies/foundations; law school clinics; pro bono

services offered by law firms; employment law centers; community-based legal 

providers, such as those serving particular ethnic communities; immigration 

rights clinics; nonprofit organizations providing legal assistance to immigrants; 

faith-based immigration relief organizations, such as the Catholic Legal 

Immigrant Network, Inc. (CLINIC), which provides support services to 

diocesan and other affiliated immigration programs, with field offices in 48 

States (for a listing of CLINIC members, go to http://cliniclegal.org/ and click 

on the icon “Public Directory Clinic Members”)

•	Job Training Programs: Local affiliates of Goodwill Industries offer job 

training programs (http://www.goodwill.org/goodwill-for-you/jobs-andcareers/); CareerOneStop (http://www.careeronestop.org/) lists local contacts 

for apprenticeships and employment assistance; vocational training and job 

placement assistance are offered by community colleges and immigrant or 

refugee assistance organizations

•	Education Services: GED assistance and general educational assistance 

programs at local adult education centers; immigrant community organizations; 

city/neighborhood community centers; ESL (English as a second language) 

classes held at churches, schools, libraries, community colleges; translation/

interpreting services (written/live language assistance; native tongue literacy)

•	Transportation: Clients enrolled in education programs can sometimes qualify 

for lower fares for public transportation, such as the subway, bus, or train, with 

a student ID; voluntary driver programs (often operated out of churches); car 

and bike donation programs

•	Crime Victim Compensation: Clients can usually apply at the city or county 

levels; funds can be used to pay for many of the above services, including 

relocation costs for safety reasons (see U.S. Department of Justice programs 

discussed later in this booklet)

•	Other Assistance: Battered immigrant women’s programs; sexual assault 

coalitions; rape crisis centers; ethnic community organizations; faith-based 

organizations
4

These are only some of the many community resources service providers can use 

to assist trafficking victims. Service providers are often very creative in using these 

resources to meet victims’ needs. For instance, service providers may ask a local 

dentist to provide free or low-cost dental services; get onto a donation list for a local 

department store to receive “out-of-season” clothing; work with a local church to 

find temporary housing or to identify a member of the church who can provide 

transportation; ask a local church to place a notice seeking specific donations from 

parishioners in its church bulletin; develop a car donation program or work with a 

local nonprofit that operates a car donation program; or approach a local law firm to 

provide pro bono legal services.
5

State-Funded Assistance

States are considering and enacting anti-trafficking legislation, which often includes 

restitution to victims of this crime. For example, NY and CA have passed laws that 

provide State-funded services to pre-certified victims of human trafficking:

•	New York State enacted legislation that provides services for pre-certified 

trafficking victims (Chapter 74 of the Laws of 2007). State-funded services 

include case management, emergency temporary housing, health care (including 

mental health), drug addiction screening and treatment, language and translation 

services, and job training. To learn about services for human trafficking 

victims in New York State, contact the New York State Bureau of Refugee and 

Immigrant Assistance at 1-518-402-3096 or http://otda.ny.gov/programs/

bria/trafficking.asp.

•	California enacted legislation in 2006 (SB 1569) to expand protections for 

trafficking survivors, including temporary and immediate access to services prior 

to Federal Certification. The California Department of Social Services’ Human 

Trafficking Fact Sheet (January 2008) provides an overview of State-funded 

services available to pre-certified victims as well as links to receive additional 

information and to apply for benefits or services through the County Welfare 

Department (http://www.cdss.ca.gov/refugeeprogram/PG1726.htm). In 

December 2006, the California Department of Social Services issued pre- and 

post-implementation letters to county welfare departments with information 

and instructions to implement SB 1569 (http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/

getinfo/acl06/pdf/06-60.pdf and http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/

lettersnotices/entres/getinfo/acin07/pdf/I-41_07.pdf), and has since also 

provided Special Notices with additional guidance. 

Monitor your State legislature Web sites to identify any pending or enacted legislation 

that provides services for pre-certified victims of human trafficking.

In addition, the Polaris Project website has detailed information about state antitrafficking laws, including those with provisions for victim assistance; visit http://

www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/policy-advocacy/state-policy/current-laws

for more information.
6

Federal Assistance

Contact the following Federal resources for information about obtaining services for 

pre-certified victims of human trafficking:

HHS Services Grants

HHS Services Grants provide comprehensive case management services to foreign 

victims and potential victims of trafficking seeking HHS certification in any location 

in the United States. The grantees provide case management to assist a victim of 

trafficking to become certified, and other necessary services after Certification, 

through a network of nongovernmental service organization sub-awardees in 

locations throughout the country.

These grants ensure the provision of efficient, high-quality services to victims of 

human trafficking. They also streamline support to help victims of human trafficking 

gain timely access to shelter, legal assistance, job training, and health care, enabling 

them to live free of violence and exploitation.

Please contact the grantees regarding services for a client or to obtain information on 

how to become a sub-awardee. Below is a list of the HHS Service Grantees, contact 

information, and the states for which it or its partners provide services:

• U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) 

Contact information: 1-800-307-4712 or traffickingvictims@uscridc.org

States: AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, KS, LA, MD, MO, MT, 

ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WY, plus the 

following territories: American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana 

Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Marshall Islands, and the 

Republic of Palau.

• Heartland Human Care Services 

Contact information: 1-800-837-5345

States: CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, RI, VT, WI

• Tapestri, Inc.

Contact information: 404-299-2185

States: AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) is a national, toll-free 

hotline for the human trafficking field in the United States and is reached by calling 

1-888-373-7888 or e-mailing NHTRC@PolarisProject.org. The NHTRC operates 

24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. The NHTRC works to 

improve the national response to protect victims of human trafficking in the United 

States by providing callers with a range of comprehensive services, including crisis 

intervention, urgent and non-urgent referrals, tip reporting, and comprehensive antitrafficking resources and technical assistance for the anti-trafficking field and those 

who wish to get involved. 
7

The NHTRC is able to connect community members with additional tools to raise 

awareness and combat human trafficking in their local areas, as well as guide service 

providers and law enforcement personnel in their work with potential trafficking 

victims. To perform these functions, the NHTRC maintains a national database of 

organizations and individuals working in the anti-trafficking field, as well as a library 

of available anti-trafficking resources and materials. To view these materials, access 

online trainings or report tips online, go to the NHTRC website: http://www.

traffickingresourcecenter.org

Office for Victims of Crime

The U.S. Department of Justice’s (USDOJ) Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) 

provides services for pre-certified trafficking victims (see USDOJ charts for more 

information). Services include housing or shelter; food; medical, mental health, and 

dental services; interpreter/translator services; criminal justice victim advocacy; legal 

services; social services advocacy; literacy education; and/or employment assistance. 

See http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/traffickingmatrix.html for more 

information about these services. In addition, OVC’s Online Directory of Crime 

Victim Services identifies local organizations providing services for crime victims: 

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/findvictimservices/.
8

Certification for Foreign Victims

HHS is the Federal agency authorized to certify adult foreign victims of human 

trafficking, which allows them access to federally funded benefits and services to the 

same extent as refugees. Similarly, HHS is the Federal agency authorized to provide 

Eligibility Letters for foreign child victims of human trafficking, which allows them 

access to federally funded benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. The 

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within HHS issues all Certification and 

Eligibility Letters. Trafficking victims who are U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent 

Residents (LPR) 1 do not need Certification or Letters of Eligibility to be eligible for 

similar benefits and services. 

Steps to Obtaining Certification for Foreign Victims

According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), there are 

three requirements for Certification for adult victims of human trafficking:

• An individual must have been subjected to a severe form of trafficking in 

persons, as defined in the TVPA; 

• A victim is willing to assist in every reasonable way in the investigation and 

prosecution of the trafficking case, or is unable to cooperate with such a 

request due to physical or psychological trauma; and 

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted Continued 

Presence (CP) to the victim, or notified the victim that his or her T visa 

application is bona fide or approved.

1 A person who obtained Lawful Permanent Resident status prior to being trafficked is not eligible for 

Certification, nor is an LPR child eligible to receive a Letter of Eligibility. The U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security (DHS) has already granted an LPR permission to reside and work in the United States for an indefinite 

period. Therefore, DHS does not grant Continued Presence or a T visa to LPRs, making them ineligible for 

Certification. LPRs are eligible for many Federal benefits and services, although (as outlined in charts in this 

booklet), LPRs have a five-year waiting period before they are eligible to apply for certain benefits and services.
9

Continued Presence

The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement 

(ICE) grants Continued Presence (CP), which is a one-year form of immigration 

relief that Federal law enforcement officials request on behalf of a victim of a severe 

form of trafficking who is also a potential witness. Continued Presence allows 

the victim to remain in the United States during the course of an investigation or 

prosecution as well as obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), 

which provides the victim with the documentation required to work legally in the 

United States. 

Foreign Victims Who Are Children

While adult trafficking victims need Certification to receive refugee benefits and 

services, victims who are children (under 18) need an Eligibility Letter or an 

interim assistance letter issued by HHS to access benefits and services to the 

same extent as refugees. Unlike adults, children are not required to comply 

with requests to assist with a law enforcement investigation or prosecution of a 

trafficking case, or to have Continued Presence or a T visa, to receive an Eligibility 

Letter or an interim assistance letter. (For the purpose of defining the types of 

benefits and services eligible to a potential foreign child trafficking victim, unless 

otherwise noted, the term ‘Eligibility Letter’ in this document refers to both the 

Eligibility Letter and the interim assistance letter).

The William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act 

(Pub. L. 110-457), signed into law on December 23, 2008, directs HHS, upon 

receipt of credible information that a child may have been subjected to trafficking 

in persons, to make a prompt determination if the child is eligible for up to 90 

days of interim assistance. Before the end of that period, HHS, in consultation 

with USDOJ, DHS and nongovernmental experts, will determine if the child is 

eligible for long-term assistance. Not later than 24 hours after a Federal, State, 

or local official discovers that a person who is under 18 years of age, and who is 

neither a U.S. citizen nor an LPR, may be a victim of trafficking in persons, the 

official must notify HHS to facilitate the provision of interim assistance.

To request an eligibility letter for a foreign child victim of trafficking, contact 

the ORR Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division a ChildTrafficking@acf.hhs.gov

or (202) 205-4582, or fax your request to (202) 401-5487. An ORR Child 

Protection Specialist will respond after reviewing the request. You can obtain a 

copy of a request form at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
10

T Visa

The T visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign victim of human trafficking 

to remain in the United States for up to four years. The victim must apply directly to 

DHS for T non-immigrant status by filing an application for a T visa (also called the 

U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services Form I-914). Assistance from an immigration 

attorney or other legal service provider is often helpful in completing the application. 

Since foreign trafficking victims often have complicated legal needs, it is important 

to connect them with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. For guidance 

in initiating legal assistance for victims, consult the National Human Trafficking 

Resource Center and/or local service providers listed in the OVC Online Directory 

with experience in working with trafficking victims (http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/

findvictimservices/).

As described in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Instructions for 

Completing Form I-914, a Federal law enforcement officer endorsement is strongly 

advised. If a victim does not submit a Federal law enforcement endorsement as a 

part of his or her T visa application, then the victim must submit an explanation 

describing attempts to obtain the endorsement and accounting for the lack of or 

unavailability of the endorsement. Alternately, the victim must submit an explanation 

describing why he or she did not attempt to obtain the Federal law enforcement 

endorsement.

There are several benefits to a T visa, including: 

• Legal non-immigrant status in the United States for a period of four years;

• Employment authorization;

• Possibility of adjusting status to Lawful Permanent Resident; and

• Immediate family members may obtain non-immigrant status as T visa 

derivatives.

Derivative T Visas

Family members (known as derivatives) of trafficking victims who have received a 

T visa can apply for a special T visa for derivatives. Eligible family members include 

the spouse, child, parent, or an unmarried minor sibling of a victim of trafficking 

victim who is under 21 years of age, or the spouse or child of a victim of trafficking 

who is 21 years of age or older. Like Certified trafficking victims, T visa derivatives 

are eligible for Federal benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. Also, 

derivatives can apply for EADs. 
11

After Continued Presence or a T Visa Is Issued

When the U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants an adult victim Continued 

Presence, a T visa, or notice of a bona fide T visa application, DHS notifies the U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS contacts the victimwitness coordinator, victim-witness control officer, or the immigration attorney (if 

any) to obtain the name of the service provider to issue the Certification Letter. 

The service provider helps the victim apply for and receive the refugee benefits and 

services for which he or she is eligible. 

The Certification Letter

The Certification Letter indicates a victim’s eligibility for federally funded benefits 

and services. It contains a Certification date; eligibility for benefits and services begins 

on the date of Certification. Certification letters do not expire, but many benefits and 

services are time sensitive.

Derivatives and Certification

Derivatives (family members of a victim) do not receive Certification Letters; 

however, Derivative T visa holders are eligible for benefits and services to the same 

extent as a refugee. For an individual who is already present in the United States on 

the date the DHS issues the Derivative T status, the period of eligibility begins on 

the date that DHS grants T status, as indicated on the Notice Date on the I-797, 

the Notice of Action of approval of the individual’s Derivative T status. For the 

individual who enters the United States on the basis of a Derivative T visa, the period 

of eligibility begins on the date that the individual is admitted to the United States, 

as indicated by the date stamped on the individual’s passport or I-94 Arrival Record.

Certification and Benefit-Granting Agencies

Adult and minor foreign trafficking victims applying for benefits at a benefit-granting 

agency must present a Certification or Eligibility Letter in order to apply for benefits. 

The victim does not need to provide any immigration documents. The victim should 

always retain the original Certification or Eligibility Letter. The victim may submit a 

photocopy of the letter to benefit-granting agencies. Benefit-granting agencies may 

photocopy the letter for record-keeping purposes only.

Benefit-granting agencies should call HHS’ Trafficking Victim Verification Line 

(1-866-401-5510) at intake to verify the validity of each Certification or Eligibility 

Letter. These agencies should also inform HHS of the benefits for which each 

trafficking victim has applied.

State Refugee Coordinators

Every State, except Wyoming, has a State Refugee Coordinator and often a State 

Refugee Health Coordinator who oversee benefits for trafficking victims as well as 

refugees and other populations. Contact the State Refugee Coordinator and/or State 

Refugee Health Coordinator for information on benefits for trafficking victims in 

your State by visiting the following Web site: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/

orr/partners/state_partners.htm. 
12

Federal Benefits and Services

The following is an overview of the Federal benefits and services available to 

trafficking victims, as well as charts regarding program eligibility for Certified, 

Eligible, non-U.S. citizen, U.S. citizen, and Lawful Permanent Resident victims. 

In addition to having a qualifying immigration status, applicants (including 

derivatives) must meet certain eligibility requirements for each program, such 

as age, family composition, residence, and limitations on income and resources. 

For children granted interim assistance, the 90-day limit on the period of interim 

assistance may preclude or interfere with participation in programs or benefits 

with minimum participation periods longer than 90 days or where the benefits 

of the program cannot practicably be realized within that time period.

These charts provide a general overview of eligibility for services. Please contact your 

State Refugee Coordinator, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center—

1-888-373-7888—or the appropriate Federal agency directly for additional 

information.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Eligibility for HHS Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim

Temporary 

Assistance for 

Needy Families*

Medicaid

 Children’s 

Health Insurance 

Program

Health Resources 

and Services 

Administration 

Programs

Substance Abuse and 

Mental Health Services 

Administration Programs

Certified Adult Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Minor with Eligibility 

Letter (Under 18)** Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

* Through TANF, States may only provide assistance to a financially needy family that consists of, at a minimum, 

a child living with his/her parent or other caretaker relative, or consists of a pregnant woman. Therefore, the adult 

individual must be the parent or other caretaker relative of a minor child or a pregnant woman. Conversely, the 

minor child must be living with his/her parent or other caretaker relative.

** Includes a child with an interim assistance letter

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:
13

Eligibility for HHS Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category

Temporary 

Assistance for 

Needy Families*

Medicaid

 Children’s 

Health Insurance 

Program

Health Resources 

and Services 

Administration 

Programs

Substance Abuse 

and Mental Health 

Services Administration 

Programs**

Unlawfully Present in U.S., 

Adult or Minor (Under 

18)***

No No No Yes Yes

Lawfully Present in U.S. 

(not U.S. Citizen or LPR), 

Adult or Minor (Under 

18)****

No No No Yes Yes

Refugees, asylees, and 

Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Lawful Permanent 

Resident, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18) 

Yes, after a 

five-year 

waiting period.

Yes, after a 

five-year 

waiting period.

No for adults; yes, after 

a five-year waiting 

period for minors.

Yes Yes

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18) Yes Yes No for adults; 

yes for minors. Yes Yes

* Through TANF, States may only provide assistance to a financially needy family that consists of, at a minimum, 

a child living with his/her parent or other caretaker relative, or consists of a pregnant woman. Therefore, the adult 

individual must be the parent or other caretaker relative of a minor child or a pregnant woman. Conversely, the 

minor child must be living with his/her parent or other caretaker relative.

** All decisions regarding eligibility for these services and types of treatment are made at the local and State levels 

or by the benefit-granting agency. 

*** Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection or who overstayed their visas, and persons 

not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

****Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove 

from the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa. 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Office of Family Assistance 

(OFA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), HHS: TANF funds State 

programs that provide assistance for families with children when the parents or other 

caretaker relatives are unable to provide for the family’s basic needs. Each State and 

territory decides both the benefits it will provide and the eligibility criteria for receiving 

financial assistance payments or other types of TANF benefits and services. In order 

to be eligible for TANF, the client must be a member of an eligible family that also 

meets other TANF programmatic eligibility requirements, such as income, resources, 

and residency. If a Certified adult victim (or Eligible minor) is not eligible for TANF, 

he or she may be eligible for ORR Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), as long as the 

victim meets RCA program eligibility requirements (see the following section on ORR 

benefits and services). Check with your local TANF office to obtain information on 

eligibility for TANF assistance or other TANF benefits and services. 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/
14

Medicaid, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS: Medicaid 

provides health coverage for low-income pregnant women, children, parents, adults, 

and those with disabilities who may have no insurance or inadequate medical 

insurance. Although the Federal Government establishes general guidelines for 

the program, each State establishes Medicaid program requirements. The local 

Medicaid office evaluates a Certified adult victim for eligibility for Medicaid. If the 

Medicaid office determines the person is not eligible for Medicaid, then the victim 

may be eligible for ORR Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), as long as the victim 

meets RMA program eligibility requirements (see the following section on ORR 

benefits and services). For specific information about enrollment in Medicaid, 

eligibility, coverage, and services for your State, please contact your local Medicaid 

office: http://www.govbenefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/606. For additional 

information on Medicaid, go to: https://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), CMS, HHS: CHIP 

provides health coverage for children who do not qualify for Medicaid, yet do 

not have private insurance. Children who do not currently have health insurance 

may be eligible, even if parents are working. This insurance pays for doctor visits, 

prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and other services. The Federal Government 

and individual States jointly finance CHIP, and each State administers CHIP. 

Within broad Federal guidelines, each State determines the design of its program, 

eligibility groups, benefit packages, payment levels for coverage, and administrative 

and operating procedures. States have different eligibility rules, but in most States, 

uninsured children 18 years old and younger, whose families earn up to $34,100 a 

year (for a family of four) are eligible. 

https://www.cms.gov/home/chip.asp; www.insurekidsnow.gov, 1-877-KIDSNOW

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS: HRSA offers health 

care and support to uninsured, underserved, and special needs populations. HRSA 

issues grants to federally funded health centers that are available to anyone regardless 

of their ability to pay. The health centers charge patients using a sliding fee scale, 

based on their income. Health centers provide well-care checkups, treatment for 

sick patients, complete care for pregnant patients, immunizations and checkups for 

children, dental care, prescription drugs, as well as mental health and substance abuse 

care. Health centers are located in most cities and many rural areas. To find a health 

center, go to: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx; 

http://www.hrsa.gov/index.html; 1-888-ASK-HRSA
15

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 

HHS: SAMHSA funds services for individuals who have or are at risk for mental 

and substance abuse disorders. State substance abuse and mental health agencies 

administer these programs. All decisions regarding eligibility for services and types of 

treatment are made at the local and State levels or by the provider. Contact your State 

substance abuse and mental health agencies to find out what services are available in 

your area.  

Substance Abuse Resources:

• For a listing of State substance abuse agencies, go to: 

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ufds/abusedirectors

• To find a substance abuse and/or mental health treatment program near you, 

go to: http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

Mental Health Resources:

• For a listing of State mental health agencies, go to:

http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator

• To find a mental health treatment program near you, go to:

http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 

SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services funds a 24-hour, toll-free, suicide 

prevention service available to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. If your 

client needs help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Crisis counselors will locate the closest 

possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, 

the Lifeline’s mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health 

services. See http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for more information.

For additional SAMHSA substance abuse and mental health resources, go to: http://

www.samhsa.gov/treatment/index.aspx or call SAMHSA’s 24-Hour Toll-Free Referral 

Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
16

Eligibility for HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Programs for Certified or Eligible 

(if Minor) Victims of Trafficking (Table 1)

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim

Refugee Cash Assistance 

(RCA)* 

Refugee Medical 

Assistance (RMA)*

Refugee Social Services 

and Targeted Assistance

Voluntary Agency 

Matching Grant Program

Certified Adult 

Yes, available up to 

eight months from the 

date of Certification.

Yes, available up to 

eight months from the 

date of Certification.

Yes, available up to 60 

months from the date of 

Certification.

Yes, enrollment must occur 

within 31 days of the date of 

Certification; only available 

for six months from the date 

of Certification.

Minor with Eligibility 

Letter (Under 18)** No

Yes, available up to 

eight months from the 

date of Eligibility.

Yes, available up to 60 

months from the date of 

Eligibility 

for minors 16 years of age 

and older who are not 

full-time students.

Full-time students may apply 

if they are seeking part-time 

or temporary employment 

while a student, or full-time 

permanent employment 

upon completion of school.

Children under 18 are only 

eligible if they are part of a 

family/case where there 

is an employable adult; 

the adult/ case must enroll 

within 31 days of Eligibility.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, please see the 

following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration status:

Eligibility for HHS/ORR Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims of 

Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category

Refugee Cash 

Assistance

(RCA)

Refugee Medical 

Assistance (RMA)

Refugee Social Services 

and Targeted Assistance

Voluntary Agency 

Matching Grant Program

Unlawfully Present in U.S., 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)* No No No No

Lawfully Present in U.S. 

(Not U.S. Citizen or LPR), 

Adult or Minor (Under 

18)**

No No No No

Refugees, asylees, and 

Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes, if within time limits. Yes, if within time limits. Yes, if within time limits. Yes, if within time limits.

Lawful Permanent 

Resident, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18)

No No No No

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18) No No No No

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who overstayed their visas, and persons 

not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa.

* In order to be eligible for RCA and/or RMA, a Certified or Eligible victim must first be found ineligible for 

TANF, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

** Includes a child with an interim assistance letter. 
17

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), 

Administration for Children and Families (ACF), HHS: RCA provides cash 

assistance for trafficking victims who are ineligible for TANF or Supplemental 

Security Income (SSI). RCA benefits are available for up to eight months from the date of 

Certification. Recipients of Refugee Cash Assistance are required to register for 

employment services and participate in employability service programs, unless 

specifically exempted by State criteria. Minors who cannot comply with the 

employability service requirements such as minors in school or those without work 

authorization  ­eive RCA. Also, a full-time student in an institution

of higher education is not elgible to receive RCA. 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/benefits/cma.htm

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), ORR, ACF, HHS: RMA provides medical 

assistance for trafficking victims who are ineligible for Medicaid or Childdren's Health

Insurance Program (CHIP). RMA benefits are available for up to eight months from the date

of Certification, or the date of Eligibility if the client is a minor. Depending on the State, RMA

may cover costs associated with a medical screening. 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/benefits/cma.htm

Refugee Social Services and Targeted Assistance, ORR, ACF, HHS: These programs 

support employability services and other services that address participants’ barriers to 

self-sufficiency and integration and may include employment services, employability 

assessment, on-the-job training, English-language training, vocational training, 

social adjustment services, interpretation and translation services, job-related day 

care for children, citizenship and naturalization services, etc. Employability services 

are designed to enable trafficking victims and other eligible populations to obtain 

employment and become self-sufficient as soon as possible. Services provided by 

Refugee Social Services and Targeted Assistance programs differ by State. Benefits are 

available for up to 60 months from the date of Certification or Eligibility. Citizenship 

and naturalization services and referral and interpreter services are not time limited; 

they may be provided beyond 60 months. Minors must have work authorization in 

order to benefit from employment services.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/ref_social_prg.htm 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/tap.htm 

Voluntary Agency Matching Grant Program, ORR, ACF, HHS: The Voluntary 

Agency Matching Grant Program is an alternative to public assistance designed 

to enable clients to become self-sufficient within four to six months from the date 

of Certification or Eligibility. A network of approximately 230 local resettlement 

offices in 43 States provides Matching Grant services, which are provided in 

a comprehensive multilingual, multicultural manner. Clients must complete 

enrollment in Matching Grant within 31 days of the date of Certification or 

Eligibility. Required services are case management, maintenance assistance (cash 
18

assistance and housing, when needed), and employment services. Matching 

Grant can make referrals for additional services such as English-language training, 

social adjustment services, health and medical services, employment training/recertification, and support services. Matching Grant enrollees can receive Refugee 

Medical Assistance, but they are not eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance or TANF. 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/match_grant_prg.htm

Eligibility for HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Programs for Certified or 

Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking (Table 2)

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim ORR Medical Screenings Unaccompanied Refugee Minors 

(URM) Program Services for Survivors of Torture*

Certified Adult Yes No Must meet definition of torture victim. 

Minor with Eligibility Letter 

(Under 18)** Yes Yes Must meet definition of torture victim. 

* Clients are determined eligible for the Services for Torture Survivors Program in accordance with the Torture 

Victims Relief Act of 1998 (TVRA). To view the TVRA’s definition of torture, please see the following Web site: 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/services_survivors_torture.htm

** Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for HHS/ORR Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) 

Victims of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category ORR Medical Screenings Unaccompanied Refugee Minors 

(URM) Program Services for Survivors of Torture*

Unlawfully Present in U.S., 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)** No No Must meet definition of torture victim. 

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not 

U.S. Citizen or LPR), Adult or 

Minor (Under 18)***

No No Must meet definition of torture victim. 

Refugees, asylees, and 

Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes, if within time limits. Yes, if within time limits. Must meet definition of torture victim. 

Lawful Permanent Resident, 

Adult or Minor (Under 18) No No Must meet definition of torture victim. 

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18) No No Must meet definition of torture victim.

* Clients are determined eligible for the Services for Torture Survivors Program in accordance with the Torture 

Victims Relief Act of 1998 (TVRA). To view the TVRA’s definition of torture, please see the following Web site: 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/services_survivors_torture.htm

**Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

***Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa.
19

Medical Screenings, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Administration for 

Children and Families (ACF), HHS: Preventive health medical screenings and 

assessments are available to Certified trafficked persons and Eligible minors for 

early diagnosis and treatment of illnesses that are contagious or are barriers to selfsufficiency. This usually includes screening for tuberculosis (TB), parasites, and 

hepatitis B, as well as school vaccinations. Screenings are not available in every 

location. To arrange for a referral for a medical screening, contact your State Refugee 

Coordinator or Refugee Health Coordinator via the following Web site: 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/state_partners.htm

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program (URM), ORR, ACF, HHS: ORR’s 

URM program can provide care to an unaccompanied child victim of trafficking 

who has received an Eligibility Letter and met established criteria for reclassification 

or designation as an unaccompanied refugee minor. The URM program provides 

specialized, culturally appropriate foster care or other licensed care settings according 

to children’s individual needs. Legal responsibility is established, under State law, to 

ensure that there is a legal authority to act in place of the child’s unavailable parent(s). 

Unaccompanied child trafficking victims receive the full range of assistance, care, 

and services that are available to other foster children in the State. Depending on 

their individual needs, children are placed in foster homes, group care, independent 

living, or residential treatment settings. Services include: indirect financial support 

for housing, food, clothing, and medical care; intensive case management; family 

reunification; independent living skills training; educational supports; Englishlanguage training; career/college counseling; mental health services; assistance 

adjusting immigration status; cultural activities; recreational opportunities; support 

for social integration; and retention of ethnic and religious heritage. To access the 

URM program for a child victim of trafficking who has received an Eligibility Letter, 

contact the ORR Child Protection Specialist at 202-205-4582. For more information 

on ORR’s URM program, visit the following Web site:

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/unaccompanied_refugee_

minors.htm 

Services for Survivors of Torture Program, ORR, ACF, HHS: ORR’s Services 

for Survivors of Torture provides rehabilitative services, including treatment for 

the psychological and physical effects of torture; social and legal services; and 

research and training for health care providers outside of treatment centers or 

programs. Individuals eligible for services are those who suffered torture in foreign 

countries and are now present in the United States regardless of their immigration 

status. Individuals who have suffered torture only as a result of trafficking experiences 

in the United States do not meet the eligibility standard for this program. 

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/programs/services_survivors_torture.htm 
20

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Eligibility for USDA Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim Child Nutrition Programs

Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program (Food 

Stamp Program)*

Special Supplemental Nutrition 

Program for Women, Infants and 

Children (WIC)

Certified Adult No Yes Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter 

(Under 18)** Yes Yes Yes

*From October 1, 2008 forward, the Food Stamp Program will be known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 

Program (SNAP).

** Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for USDA Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) 

Victims of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category Child Nutrition Programs

Supplemental Nutrition 

Assistance Program 

(Food Stamp Program)*

Special Supplemental Nutrition 

Program for Women, Infants 

and Children (WIC)

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult 

or Minor (Under 18)**

No for adult; 

yes for minor. No Yes

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not U.S. 

Citizen or LPR), Adult or Minor 

(Under 18)***

No for adult; 

yes for minor. No Yes

Refugees, asylees, and Cuban/

Haitian entrants

No for adult; 

yes for minor. Yes Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)

No for adult; 

yes for minor.

Yes, after a five-year waiting 

period for adult (contact USDA for 

other LPR eligibility requirements); 

yes, 

no waiting period for minor.

Yes

U.S. Citizen, Adult and Minor 

(Under 18)

No for adult; 

yes for minor. Yes Yes

*From October 1, 2008 forward, the Food Stamp Program will be known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance 

Program (SNAP).

**Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

***Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa. 
21

Child Nutrition Programs, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA: Child Nutrition 

programs offer nutritious meals and snacks for low-income children in schools, child 

care institutions, and after-school care programs. 

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called the Food Stamp Program), 

Food and Nutrition Service, USDA: SNAP provides nutrition assistance to low-income 

individuals and families so they can buy the food needed for good health. Benefits are 

provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card at participating grocery stores. 

To apply for benefits, or for information about the SNAP, contact your local SNAP office 

at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm or call your State’s SNAP hotline 

number at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/map.htm. An online Pre-Screening 

Tool is available at http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/ to find out if your client could 

be eligible prior to applying at your local office.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children 

(WIC), Food and Nutrition Service, USDA: WIC provides supplemental food 

packages for nutritionally at-risk, low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women; infants; and children up to five years of age. The following benefits 

are provided to WIC participants: supplemental nutritious foods; nutrition education 

and counseling at WIC clinics; and screening and referrals to other health, welfare, 

and social services. The following Web site has toll-free numbers for WIC State 

agencies: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/contacts/tollfreenumbers.htm.
22

U.S. Department of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Eligibility for HUD Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible Trafficking Victim Public Housing Program Tenant-Based Vouchers

Certified Adult Yes Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter (Under 18)* Yes Yes

* Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for HUD Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) 

Victims of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by Immigration Category Public Housing Program Tenant-Based Vouchers

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult or Minor (Under 18)* No No

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not U.S. Citizen or LPR), 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)** No No

Refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, Adult or Minor (Under 

18) Yes Yes

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor (Under 18) Yes Yes

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa.

Public Housing Program, HUD: This program provides safe and affordable rental 

housing for low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. 

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_

housing/programs/ph

Tenant-Based Vouchers, HUD: Low-income housing agencies issue Housing Choice 

Vouchers to very low-income individuals and families, so that they can lease safe and 

affordable privately owned rental housing. 

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/public_indian_

housing/programs/hcv
23

U.S. Department of Department of Justice (USDOJ)

Eligibility for USDOJ Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim

Victims of Crime (VOCA) 

Emergency Funds

Victim Rights and 

Services – Federal 

VictimWitness Coordinators

Emergency 

Witness Assistance

Witness Security 

Program

Certified Adult Yes Yes Yes Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter 

(Under 18)* Yes Yes Yes Yes

* Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for USDOJ Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) 

Victims of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category

Victims of Crime 

(VOCA) Emergency 

Funds

Victim Rights and Services 

– Federal VictimWitness Coordinators

Emergency 

Witness 

Assistance

Witness Security

Program

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult or 

Minor (Under 18)* Yes Yes Yes Yes

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not U.S. 

Citizen or LPR), Adult or Minor (Under 

18)**

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, Adult or 

Minor (Under 18) Yes Yes Yes Yes

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor (Under 18) Yes Yes Yes Yes

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants and some other categories. 

Also includes nonimmigrants who are persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a 

person on a student visa, exchange visitor visa, or temporary worker visa. 

Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Emergency Funds, Criminal Section, Civil Rights 

Division, U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ): VOCA emergency funds, which 

assist victims with emergency needs when other resources are unavailable, include 

crisis intervention, shelter/temporary housing, food, clothing, legal assistance, 

transportation costs, forensic medical examinations, emergency child care, and 

interpreters. Similar funds are available through the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

(FBI), the Executive Office for United States Attorneys at USDOJ, and Immigration 

and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS). 
24

Victims Rights and Services, Federal Victim-Witness Coordinators within 

Criminal Section of Civil Rights Division; FBI; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices; and 

Other USDOJ Agencies: Victim Witness staff ensure that victims of Federal 

crimes, regardless of age or citizenship, are afforded rights and services as set forth 

in the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance (May 2005), 

including rights afforded by the Federal Crime Victims Rights Act, such as privacy 

and confidentiality, restitution, notification of case status, and protection against 

threats and intimidation. Victim Witness staff may also provide information about 

and referrals for direct services such as medical assistance, mental health counseling, 

shelter, pro bono and low-cost legal services, and other essential services. 

http://www.justice.gov/olp/pdf/ag_guidelines.pdf

Emergency Witness Assistance Program (EWAP) USDOJ: EWAP provides emergency 

funds to assist witnesses and potential witnesses on an emergency basis to ensure their 

well-being and availability for court proceedings or other activities related to ongoing 

civil or criminal cases. Services include relocation and moving expenses; emergency 

telephone service to maintain contact with the Government; temporary subsistence and 

housing; emergency needs (clothing, furniture) when the individual must be moved 

quickly; and child or senior care expenses. The Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys 

administers these funds. EWAP is usually limited to less than 30 days and less than 

$4,000. 

http://www.justice.gov.oig/reports/EOUSA/e0102/index.htm

Witness Security Program, USDOJ: The Witness Security Program provides 

protection and assistance to witnesses and their immediate family members before, 

during and after a trial. The Attorney General determines whether a witness qualifies 

for the Witness Security Program, based on recommendations from U.S. Attorneys. 

The U.S. Marshals Service moves a witness and his or her immediate family to a 

secure location and typically provides them with authentic documentation to assume 

a new identity. In addition to providing witnesses with 24-hour protection during all 

court proceedings, the U.S. Marshals Service assists with housing, medical care, job 

training, employment and subsistence funding to cover basic living expenses until 

witnesses achieve self sufficiency. 

http://www.usmarshals.gov/witsec/index.html

Eligibility for USDOJ Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible 

Trafficking Victim

OVC Services for Trafficking 

Victims Discretionary Grant VOCA Victim Assistance VOCA Victim Compensation

Certified Adult No Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

Minor with Eligibility Letter 

(Under 18)* No Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

* Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.
25

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for USDOJ Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims 

of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category

OVC Services for Trafficking 

Victims Discretionary Grant VOCA Victim Assistance VOCA Victim Compensation

Unlawfully Present in U.S., 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)* Yes Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not 

U.S. Citizen or LPR), Adult or 

Minor (Under 18)**

Yes Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

Lawful Permanent Resident, 

Adult or Minor (Under 18) No Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor 

(Under 18) No Yes, but see below. Subject to specific State guidelines.

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian Entrants and some other categories. 

Also includes nonimmigrants who are persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a 

person on a student visa, exchange visitor visa, or temporary worker visa.

Services for Trafficking Victims Discretionary Grant, Office of Victims of Crime 

(OVC), USDOJ: OVC funds services for trafficking victims prior to HHS granting 

a Certification Letter to the victim. Services include housing or shelter; food; 

medical, mental health, and dental services; interpreter/translator services; criminal 

justice victim advocacy; legal services; social services advocacy; literacy education; 

and/or employment assistance. 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/grants/traffickingmatrix.html

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance, VOCA Formula Grants to 

States, USDOJ: OVC provides formula grant funding to the States to support local 

victim assistance programs that provide direct services to victims. Typically the State 

awards sub-grants to victim assistance programs to provide specialized services at the 

community level. Some victim assistance providers serve all crime victims; others may 

limit services to a specific type of victimization, such as child abuse, sexual assault, 

or domestic violence. While there are few VOCA-supported programs that are 

dedicated solely to serving human trafficking victims, many programs, such as rape 

crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, do provide services to human trafficking 

victims. 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/factshts/cvf2010/intro.html
26

U.S. Department of Department of Labor (DOL)

Eligibility for DOL Programs for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Trafficking

Certified or Eligible Trafficking 

Victim

One-Stop Career Centers 

Core Services

One-Stop Career Centers 

Intensive Services Job Corps

Certified Adult Yes Yes Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter (Under 

18)* Yes Yes Yes

* Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for DOL Programs for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims 

of Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by 

Immigration Category

One-Stop Career Centers 

Core Services

One-Stop Career Centers 

Intensive Services 

and Training Services

Job Corps

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult or 

Minor (Under 18)* Yes No No

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not U.S. 

Citizen or LPR), Adult or Minor (Under 

18)**

Yes No No

Refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian 

entrants Yes Yes Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, Adult or 

Minor (Under 18) Yes Yes Yes

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor (Under 18) Yes Yes Yes

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa.

One-Stop Career Centers, DOL: With more than 2,900 delivery points nationwide, 

One-Stop Career Centers provide a vast network to address the human resource 

and employment needs of both business and job seekers in every community. The 

Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides funding for One-Stop 

Career Centers to offer a wide array of services and delivery options to build a skilled 

workforce that supports current and future economic growth. Some of these services 

are training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and other employment services 

for jobseekersand employers at convenient locations throughout the United States. 
27

Core services include resume development, job referrals, job clubs and workshops, 

job listings, resource rooms, and computer, phone and bank access. Intensive services 

include comprehensive and specialized assessments, group and individual career 

counseling, and case management; training services provide individualized training 

through State/local approved training providers.

•	Call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) or visit America’s Service locator at: 

http://www.servicelocator.org (enter zip code information in the search tool 

to find local One-Stop Career Centers) 

• Visit http://www.careeronestop.org to explore careers, conduct job searches, 

and receive tips on resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Job Corps Program, DOL: The 122 Job Corps centers help eligible economically 

disadvantaged youth between the ages of 16 and 24 achieve employment, earn a 

high school diploma or GED and/or learn a vocational trade. Students who join the 

program are paid a bi-weekly allowance; the longer they stay with the program, the 

more their allowance will be. Job Corps provides career counseling and transition 

support to its students for up to 12 months after they graduate from the program. 

http://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx
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U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)

Eligibility for SSA Program for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Human Trafficking 

Certified or Eligible Trafficking Victim Supplemental Security Income

Certified Adult* Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter (Under 18)** Yes

*Persons who have Continued Presence or a bona fide T visa application but are not yet certified by HHS, and 

derivative T visa holders, may apply for SSI.

** Includes a child with an interim assistance letter.

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for SSA Program for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims of 

Human Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by Immigration Category Supplemental Security Income

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult or Minor (Under 18)* No

Lawfully Present in U.S. (not U.S. Citizen or LPR), 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)** No 

Refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, Adult or Minor (Under 

18) Yes, after a five-year waiting period.

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor (Under 18) Yes

*Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

**Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa. 

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSA: The SSI program provides monthly 

income to adults or children who are blind or disabled, or to low-income adults age 

65 and older. Eligible applicants must meet program requirements regarding income, 

resources, residency, and living arrangements. The monthly payment varies up to the 

maximum Federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased 

by countable income and resources. For more information about Supplemental 

Security Income, please visit the following Web site: 

http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/ssi.htm
29

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

Eligibility for ED Program for Certified or Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Human Trafficking

Certified or Eligible Trafficking Victim Title IV Federal Student Financial Aid

Certified Adult Yes

Minor with Eligibility Letter (Under 18)* Yes

* Includes a child with an interim assistance letter

If your client is not Certified or is a minor who does not have an Eligibility Letter, 

please see the following chart, which indicates eligibility according to immigration 

status:

Eligibility for ED Program for Non-Certified and Non-Eligible (if Minor) Victims of Human 

Trafficking

Trafficking Victim by Immigration Category Title IV Federal Student Financial Aid

Unlawfully Present in U.S., Adult or Minor (Under 

18)** No

Lawfully Present in U.S. (Not U.S. Citizen or LPR), 

Adult or Minor (Under 18)*** No

Refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants Yes

Lawful Permanent Resident, Adult or Minor (Under 

18) Yes*

U.S. Citizen, Adult or Minor (Under 18) Yes

*A Lawful Permanent Resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Permanent Resident Card) is eligible for 

Federal Student Financial Aid as long as the individual meets financial and other eligibility requirements.

**Includes persons who entered the United States without inspection, or who have overstayed their visas, and 

persons not in compliance with the terms of their visas or orders of the Immigration Court.

***Includes persons paroled for at least one year, persons whom the Government has agreed not to remove from 

the United States for a temporary period, and some other categories. Also includes nonimmigrants who are 

persons admitted to the United States on a temporary basis, such as a person on a student visa, exchange visitor 

visa, or temporary worker visa.

Federal Student Financial Aid, ED: Federal Student Financial Aid programs are 

the largest source of Federal student aid in America. These programs provide more 

than $90 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance. While student aid 

provided by the U.S. Department of Education provides billions annually to assist 

students and their families, these are not the only source of student financial aid. 

Non-Federal financial assistance programs and requirements often vary from school 

to school, so check with the financial aid departments at the school the student plans 

to attend for information about State and institutional aid, including scholarships.
30

Certified victims of human trafficking as well as minors who have received an 

Eligibility Letter are eligible for Title IV student aid as long as they meet other 

eligibility requirements, such as enrollment in an eligible institution of higher 

learning. In addition, family members of Certified or Eligible victims who have 

derivative T visas, including spouses, children, or parents, may also be eligible for 

Title IV student aid to assist that family member in covering the cost of higher 

education. The following document from the U.S. Department of Education 

details eligibility for Title IV program assistance for victims of human trafficking 

and outlines how to apply for Federal financial aid: http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/

GEN0609.html 

The following Web site provides additional information to trafficking victims and 

case managers on applying for Federal student financial aid: http://studentaid.

ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/TraffickingFaqs.jsp

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by all eligible 

and participating institutions of higher education (two and four-year colleges, 

universities, and career schools) for awarding Federal student aid, as well as most State 

and college aid. For more information about applying for Federal financial aid using 

the FAFSA, including Federal and State application deadlines, go to:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

For additional information on Federal student aid, call the Federal Student Aid 

Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or go to:

http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/funding.jsp
31

Additional Resources

Resources for Initiating Services for Certified Victims

•	 HHS Service Grants

See page 6.

•	 National Human Trafficking Resource Center—1-888-3737-888

See page 6. 

Resources for Initiating Services for U.S. Citizen and Lawful Permanent 

Resident Victims

U.S. citizen and Lawful Permanent Resident victims cannot receive Certification 

or an Eligibility Letter from HHS, but they may already be eligible for many 

benefits and services. Contact the State and Federal agencies implementing 

programs identified in this booklet to initiate services for them, such as your State’s 

Department of Social Services. You can also connect domestic victims to services 

through local Government health and social service agencies providing services to 

children and adults, including faith-based social-service providers, domestic violence/

women’s shelters and safe houses, shelters for runaways and troubled teens, food 

pantries and other food programs, community health clinics, legal aid organizations, 

and mental health service providers. 

The following resources also can help identify National and local organizations that 

can assist in initiating these types of services:

•	Child Welfare Information Gateway, Children’s Bureau, Administration for 

Children and Families (ACF), HHS: This is a resource clearinghouse for child 

welfare professionals. See the following link (http://www.childwelfare.gov/

organizations/index.cfm) for resources and services such as National hotlines 

and State child abuse reporting numbers; Federal child services clearinghouses; 

organizations dealing with child protection/abuse, family and domestic violence, 

foster care, health, mental health, and substance abuse; State child welfare 

agency Web sites; and State foster care program managers. 

http://www.childwelfare.gov/aboutus.cfm

•	Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. Department of Justice: Search OVC’s 

online directory of crime victim services for public, nonprofit, and community 

agencies that provide assistance and services to victims. The directory includes 

local, National and international agencies; a directory of crime victim services 

(searchable by location, type of victimization, service needed); an interactive 

map to search for victim services and compensation programs for victims; 

as well as links to National crime victim service organizations and hotline 

numbers for National victim-serving organizations, clearinghouses, and referral 

organizations. http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/findvictimservices/
•	 2-1-1: This resource number connects individuals to local community services, 

including rent assistance, food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child 

care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training 

programs. 2-1-1 systems operate in 41 States, the District of Columbia, and 

Puerto Rico. The 24/7 number is accessible at no cost, and has multilingual 

capabilities. It is funded through local and State sources, including local 

United Ways and other nonprofits, foundations, businesses, and State and local 

Government. http://www.211.org

•	Child Protective Services (CPS): CPS programs operate in every State, 

providing services for children who have been abused or neglected, regardless 

of immigration status. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is 

1-800-4-A-CHILD; http://www.childhelp.org/pages/hotline

32

This booklet is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

For information on human trafficking and the HHS Anti-Trafficking in Persons Program,

visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking or contact the National Human Trafficking Resource 

Center at 1-888-373-7888.

 May 2012 edition