reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.500 - Financial Eligibility Requirements and Grant Amount for Refugee Cash Assistance

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Eligibility Factors
. In addition to the requirements described in 121 CMR 2.310 through 2.340, and 121 CMR 2.410 through 2.490, there are financial eligibility requirements that a refugee must meet in order to be eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance. The financial factors and method of computing the Refugee Cash Assistance grant are described in 121 CMR 2.500 through 2.565.
(2)
Employment Services
. Members of an assistance unit that is financially ineligible for Refugee Cash Assistance may be eligible for Employment Services subject to the limitations described in 121 CMR 2.430(4).
(3)
Refugee Medical Assistance
. A refugee who is ineligible for Medicaid (referred to as MassHealth in Massachusetts) is eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance during his or her first eight months in the United States. A refugee who becomes ineligible for Refugee Cash Assistance because of income may continue to receive Refugee Medical Assistance during his or her first eight months in the United States.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.505 - Determination of Financial Eligibility and Refugee Cash Assistance

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
There are four steps in determining financial eligibility and grant amount:
(a) Determining who shall be in the filing and assistance unit;
(b) Determining how much countable earned and unearned income there is in the filing unit;
(c) Making allowable deductions from earned income;
(d) Comparing the filing unit's total countable income after allowable deductions to the Standard of Assistance ( 121 CMR 2.555 ) for the number of people in the assistance unit. If it is less than the Standard of Assistance for the number of people in the assistance unit, the assistance unit is eligible, and the monthly grant amount is the difference between the Standard of Assistance and total countable income after allowable deductions. If the filing unit's total countable income after allowable deductions is greater than the Standard of Assistance in the assistance unit, the assistance unit is not eligible.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.510 - Assistance Unit

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Refugees who live together and meet the non-financial eligibility requirements for MRRP, as set forth in 121 CMR 2.400, shall be considered to be an assistance unit according to the following:
(a) Each childless, unmarried adult 18 years of age or older is an assistance unit.
(b) Each emancipated minor is an assistance unit. An emancipated minor is an individual younger than 18 years old who is married, divorced, or separated; has served in the armed forces; or has been emancipated by a court.
(c) Each married couple having no dependent children is an assistance unit.
(d) Dependent children younger than 18 years old, and their siblings or half-siblings who are dependent children, and their parents or adult caretakers are an assistance unit.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.515 - Filing Unit

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The filing unit consists of the members of the assistance unit and anyone else residing in the household who has a legal obligation to support a member of the assistance unit. A refugee who is in the filing unit but not in the assistance unit will most typically be a parent or spouse who is no longer time eligible for MRRP. A non-refugee may be in the filing unit but not the assistance unit.
(2) Natural or adoptive parents have a legal obligation to support dependent children, and spouses have a legal obligation to support each other.
(3) The income of members of the filing unit shall be considered in the same manner regardless of whether or not they are in the assistance unit, except that an amount equal to the Standard of Assistance for the number of people who are in the filing unit and not in the assistance unit shall be deducted from countable income.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.520 - Income in General

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) Income may be either countable or non-countable and earned or unearned.
(2) All countable income is considered on a monthly basis and is applied to the determination or redetermination of eligibility and calculation of grant amount in the month in which it is expected to be received by the filing unit. Amounts of income paid in other than monthly amounts must be converted to monthly amounts.
(3) The most current monthly income information provided to the Case Management Provider is used as the basis for the eligibility determination and grant calculation until information is received indicating a change in income or eligibility. If verified income information indicates an underpayment or overpayment, an adjustment shall be made promptly.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.525 - Types of Countable Income

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Earned Income
. Earned income is income, in cash or in-kind, earned through employment or self-employment. Earned income may be received as wages, salary, tips, commissions, or in-kind. For employees, earned income is the total gross amount received.
With respect to self-employment, earned income is the total gross income less total business expenses. Business expenses do not include personal expenses, such as lunches and transportation to and from work.
(2)
Unearned Income
. Unearned income is all income that a person does not earn by the application of his or her own efforts, or by the application of his or her own managerial skills. Unearned income includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Dividends;
(b) Interest;
(c) Unemployment Compensation payments;
(d) Pensions; and
(e) Contributions.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.530 - Non-countable Income

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The following income is never countable:
(a) All income of any member of the filing unit:
1. Who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments; or
2. For whom state and/or federal foster-care maintenance payments are being provided, including the child of the foster child when the foster-care maintenance payment includes the child;
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.535 - Deductions from Earned Income

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
$90 Work-related Expense Deduction
. A member of the filing unit, regardless of refugee status, is entitled to a $90 monthly deduction from gross wages in determining eligibility and in determining the amount of a Refugee Cash Assistance grant.
(2)
$30 and 1/3 Disregard
. A member of the filing unit, regardless of refugee status, after the $90 work-related expense deduction, but before a dependent care deduction and transportation expense deduction, is eligible to have $30 and a of the remaining gross earned income disregarded.
(3)
Dependent Care Deduction
.
(a)
Requirements
. A member of the filing unit who is employed may receive a deduction from income equal to the expenditure for the care of a dependent child or an incapacitated individual requiring such care, if:
1. the dependent child or incapacitated individual is a member of the filing unit;
2. the provision of such care is necessary for the filing unit member to be employed; and
3. the refugee is not otherwise reimbursed for such care.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.540 - Verification and Determination of Income

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Verification and Determination of Monthly Wages
. Earned income from wages shall be verified at application, whenever there is a change in amount, and at any time a member of the filing unit reports he or she has commenced employment. Earned income shall be verified by pay stubs, pay envelopes, a written statement signed by an employer and/or client, or a verbal statement by the employer and/or client. The verification must show the gross wages (including tips, if applicable) and the number of hours worked.
(a) If the employee is paid weekly, the average of the four consecutive weeks' pay received prior to the application date shall be multiplied by 4.333 to obtain an average monthly wage. If the filing unit member has worked less than four weeks, any wage information that is available will be used initially, and the figure shall be revised if necessary when four consecutive weeks of wage information is available.
(b) If the employee is paid bi-weekly, an average of the last two consecutive pay periods shall be multiplied by 2.167 to obtain a monthly figure. If the employee is paid twice a month, the last two consecutive pay periods shall be added to obtain a monthly figure.
(c) If the employee is paid monthly, the monthly figure shall be used.
(d) If the employee receives a contractual annual salary, the amount to be used is the contractual annual salary divided by 12. Verification of the annual salary should be obtained in the form of a signed copy of the contract or a signed letter stating the annual salary to be received.
(e) Pay stubs, pay envelopes, or a written statement signed by an employer showing wages paid and the number of hours worked in the year to date may be used to determine an anticipated monthly wage if the number of weeks' pay represented is shown or can be computed. The average weekly earnings derived are multiplied by 4.333 to obtain a monthly figure.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.545 - Failure To Cooperate

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
If the financial eligibility of the assistance unit cannot be determined because of the failure or refusal of any member of the filing unit to provide information or verification, the entire assistance unit is ineligible, and Refugee Cash Assistance shall be denied or terminated.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.550 - Determination of Financial Eligibility and Calculation of the Grant Amount

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Financial eligibility and the grant amount are calculated as follows:
Step 1
: Identify the earned income of each member of the filing unit, excluding non-countable income.
Step 2
: Subtract sequentially from the remaining gross earnings of each member of the filing unit an amount of income equal to:
(a) the $90 work-related expense deduction;
(b) the $30 and one third disregard;
(c) any allowable dependent care deduction;
(d) any allowable transportation expense deduction.
Step 3
: Total the countable earned income remaining from the filing unit.
Step 4
: Total the countable unearned income from the filing unit.
Step 5
: Add the totals from Steps 3 and 4.
Step 6
: Subtract from the Step 5 total the Standard of Assistance for the members of the filing unit who are not in the assistance unit, if any.
Step 7
: Subtract the Step 6 result from the Standard of Assistance appropriate to the assistance unit. If the result is less than or equal to zero, the assistance unit is ineligible. If the result is greater than zero, the assistance unit is eligible to receive the resulting amount.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.555 - Standard of Assistance Table

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The figures in the Standard of Assistance Table are the maximum amounts that an assistance unit may receive as monthly Refugee Cash Assistance.
Assistance Unit Size
Amount
1
$428.00
2
531.00
3
633.00
4
731.00
5
832.00
6
936.00
7
1,037.00
8
1,137.00
9
1,237.00
10
1,338.00
Increment
105.00
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.560 - Guide for Income-in-kind

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Income-in-kind is income other than cash provided to the assistance unit. It may consist of free shelter, free utilities, or free food. If the actual entire cost of any of these items is provided to the assistance unit, the following values shall be given to them as income.
Table of Monthly Values For Income-in-kind
Income-in-Kind
Value per Assistance Unit
Rent or Mortgage, Unheated Facility
$102.00 per month
Rent or Mortgage, Heated Facility
126.30 per month
Fuel
27.90 per month
Utilities
18.60 per month
Food (Individual)
41.80 per month
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.600 - Determination of Initial and Continuing Eligibility

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Case Management Providers are responsible for the determination of initial and continuing eligibility. Refugees shall cooperate in this process as a condition of eligibility.
The application process consists of the tasks that determine the eligibility of an MRRP applicant. These tasks begin with the filing of an application and end with a final decision on the application.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.605 - Assignment of Case Management Providers

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The Case Management Provider that initially resettles the refugee through the Reception and Placement process, or completes the MRRP application for other program eligible populations, shall continue to serve as the Case Management Provider for the refugee as long as the refugee resides within the area the Provider serves. However, the initial Provider may request that ORI reassign the case to a more geographically accessible provider, and upon ORI consultation with the two providers, ORI may designate the more geographically accessible Provider to serve the refugee.
(2) If a refugee moves outside the area served by his or her Case Management Provider, the Provider must notify ORI, as well as the Case Management Provider providing services in the new area, which shall be responsible for serving the refugee. If there is more than one Case Management Provider serving the new area, ORI shall assign a Case Management Provider to serve the refugee.
(3) Case Management Providers shall notify ORI whenever a refugee not initially resettled by the Provider, inquires about receiving services from the Provider and the Provider cannot serve the refugee.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.610 - The Application

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The Case Management Provider shall complete the refugee's MRRP application within the first five days following the date of the refugee's first contact with the Case Management Provider. The Case Management Provider shall mail or give to the applicant a written determination of eligibility within five working days of receiving all necessary verifications.
(2) The period for which a refugee may be provided benefits and services under the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program, including Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance, begins with the date the MRRP application is filed.
See
121 CMR 2.615(2)(a). If the initial Refugee Cash Assistance benefit is issued within 31 days of the date of application, ORI shall be considered to have met its application time standards.
(3)
Emergency Payments
. An emergency payment shall not exceed $100 or 50% of the anticipated amount of the refugee's next Refugee Cash Assistance payment, whichever is smaller. It shall be issued within one working day of the time the refugee establishes his or her eligibility for the payment. The refugee shall acknowledge in writing that the payment will be deducted from his or her next Refugee Cash Assistance payment. It shall be issued with the specific approval of ORI only when a refugee has urgent needs that cannot wait for the normal issuance of a check and only in the following circumstances:
(a) A refugee's check has been lost or stolen;
(b) A refugee has suddenly lost a job without notice and is eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance; or
(c) An RCA eligible applicant, not receiving services under the Resettlement and Placement Program, has no other resources and requires immediate assistance before the next scheduled RCA pay date.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.615 - Filing of Application

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Right to Apply
. Every person has the right, and shall be given the opportunity, to apply for MRRP without delay. Individuals who inquire about assistance shall be given information about MRRP. The Case Management Provider must accept for decision all applications for MRRP even if a given applicant appears to be ineligible.
(2)
Definitions
.
(a) An application is a signed and dated request for assistance on a form prescribed by ORI. The application is filed when the applicant signs and dates the prescribed form. The case manager and the applicant complete the application together.
(b) An inquiry is a request for information about MRRP or its eligibility requirements. An inquiry may result in an application, referral to another Refugee Resettlement Agency, or no further action.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.620 - Application Activities

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Completion of Forms
. The ORI Application for the Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program (MRRP) is the form for the determination of initial eligibility. The Case Management Provider is responsible for the completion of the form which is then signed by both the case manager and the applicant. The Case Management Provider is responsible for accurately recording the information provided by the applicant.
(2)
Identification of the Applicant
. The Case Management Provider must establish the identity of the applicant unless it served as the Reception and Placement agency. Proof of identity may be biographical data received from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents, a driver's license, marriage license, employment papers, or an affidavit from a third party who has first-hand knowledge of the applicant, if the applicant has demonstrated that he or she has tried unsuccessfully to obtain other documentation.
(3)
Development of Other Benefits
.
(a)
TAFDC and SSI
. The Case Management Provider shall refer an applicant who appears to be eligible for SSI or TAFDC to the Social Security Administration or the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, respectively. ( 121 CMR 2.450 and 2.460 ).
(b) Medicaid (referred to as MassHealth in Massachusetts). The Case Management Provider shall refer all non-TAFDC eligible refugees to Medicaid Certified Enrollment centers for intake and enrollment in MassHealth.
(c) If a refugee is not eligible for MassHealth, the Case Management Provider shall complete the Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) application and submit it to MassHealth for processing and enrollment of the refugee in the RMA program.
(d) Supplemental Nutritional Assistance program (SNAP). The Case Management Provider shall refer the refugee to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to apply for SNAP.
(e)
Other Programs
. The Case Management Provider shall inform the refugee of other programs for which he or she may be eligible, such as Fuel Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Housing Assistance. The Case Management Provider shall refer the refugee to agencies responsible for the delivery of such services and provide whatever verifications the Case Management Provider has that will assist the refugee to obtain any benefits that may be available.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.625 - Methods of Verification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The Case Management Provider may receive most verifications via biographical data provided to it by the U.S. Department of State as part of Reception and Placement process. When verifications are not available from Reception and Placement documents, unless otherwise specified, the following in order of preference, may be used as verification. Refugee status must be verified in accord with 121 CMR 2.420.
(1)
Original Documents
. When the verification is an original document, a clear and legible photocopy of the document shall be made, if possible. If circumstances prevent the photocopying of a document and a copy is not available, the Case Management Provider shall record in the case record the date and source of the document, a summary of its contents and the date the summary was made. The case manager shall date and sign the description. A photocopy should be obtained as soon as possible. The applicant or participant shall be permitted to keep the original document.
(2)
Collateral Contact
. Third-party contact is verbal or written confirmation of an applicant or participant's circumstances by a third party, and it may be used to verify certain types of information. The Case Management Provider shall obtain written consent from the applicant or participant for each contact, except as specified in 121 CMR 2.625(4): Information from Government Sources and Banks and except for information from MRRP providers serving the applicant or participant.
If the applicant or participant refuses to allow ORI to verify information by contacting a third party, assistance shall be denied, terminated, or reduced unless the applicant or participant provides alternative verification. Statements from third parties may be accepted in person, through the mail, and over the phone.
The Case Management Provider shall evaluate the acceptability of the statement as verification of the particular information. The Case Management Provider shall record in the case record the date on which the statement was made, the information, the name, address, telephone number, and position of the person making the statement.
(3)
Self-declaration
. A self-declaration is a written statement of fact that may be given by the applicant or participant or by a third party who has first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of the applicant or participant. When the applicant or participant and the case manager have taken all necessary steps to obtain through third party contact documentary evidence, and it is not available, a self-declaration may be accepted as verification of the following eligibility factors:
(a) Date of Birth;
(b) Family Relationship; and
(c) Factors otherwise specified in 121 CMR 2.000.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.630 - Concluding the Application Process

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Approval or Denial
. The application process shall be concluded by an approval or denial of the application unless the applicant voluntarily withdraws his or her application. The approval or denial must be supported by facts recorded in the case record. The Case Management Provider shall send adequate notice to the applicant immediately upon determination, but no later than five working days from the receipt of verifications as required by 121 CMR 2.635(3).
(a)
Eligibility
. The Case Management Provider shall notify eligible applicants of the approval in writing. The notice shall include the effective date of eligibility; the amount of refugee cash assistance authorized, if any; and an explanation of the right to appeal.
(b)
Ineligibility
. If the applicant, or any other family member(s) for whom assistance is requested, is determined to be ineligible, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the denial. The notice of denial shall include the reason(s) for the denial, the specific regulations supporting the denial and an explanation of the right to appeal.
If the adverse action is the result of the lack of verifications required to make a determination of eligibility, the written notice shall contain a list of the missing verification(s) and shall inform the applicant that a second eligibility determination will be made if the missing verifications are submitted within 30 days of the date of the denial notice.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.635 - Dates Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance Begin

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The period for which a refugee may be provided Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance begins with the date of the MRRP application, and expires eight months from the refugee's date of entry into the U.S.
See
121 CMR 2.425 and 121 CMR 2.615(2).
(2) Refugee Cash Assistance payments fall on the first and 15th of the month, and a refugee is eligible for the first scheduled RCA payment following his or her date of application.
(3) Applicants must submit all verifications within 14 working days from the date of application; otherwise the Case Management Provider shall deny the application on the basis of missing verification.
(4) If the verifications submitted during the application process do not establish eligibility on or before the date of application, cash assistance is effective on the date on which the verifications establish eligibility.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.640 - Reapplication

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
An individual whose application for the MRRP has been denied has the right, and shall be given the opportunity, to reapply for the MRRP without delay.
If the Case Management Provider was unable to make a determination of eligibility solely because required verifications were not provided, and if the applicant subsequently submits all required verifications within 30 calendar days of the date of the denial notice, the applicant shall not be required to submit another application. The Case Management Provider shall make a second determination of eligibility based on the information submitted during the initial application process and during the 30 calendar days after the denial notice.
If a reapplication is submitted, it shall be associated with the original application, and the applicant shall not be required to resubmit any verifications that are in the case record and that are not subject to change.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.645 - Case Review

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
A case review is necessary to establish that a refugee remains eligible for MRRP and to monitor progress toward durable self-sufficiency. The focus of the case review process is on those factors of eligibility that are potentially subject to change and on the progress of the assistance unit toward early employment and durable self-sufficiency. The case manager shall review an assistance unit's case record to ensure continuing eligibility, to assess progress toward early employment and durable self-sufficiency and to ensure the accuracy of Refugee Cash Assistance payment amounts and the appropriateness of other MRRP services.
A case manager may schedule a personal interview with a refugee as part of a case review, if the case manager is aware of changes or anticipated changes in family composition, employment, income, other circumstances that may affect eligibility, or an approaching or passed critical point in the Family Self-sufficiency Plan. The case manager may also schedule an interview if necessary to resolve conflicting information. Failure to attend an interview may result in termination of eligibility for continued services, as specified in 121 CMR 2.340.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.650 - Frequency of Verification

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) Some information, because it is not subject to change, need only be verified once, unless at a later date questions are raised about the current validity of the verification. Such factors include, but are not limited to: age, identity, and relationship.
(2) Information that is subject to change must be re-verified at times of reported changes or whenever ORI or the Case Management Provider receives information that a change has or may have occurred that affects continued eligibility. Such factors include, but are not limited to: participation in activities required by the Family Self-sufficiency Plan, incapacity, income, school attendance, and work-related expenses such as dependent care and transportation expenses.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.655 - End of Time-eligibility Period

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
A refugee who has been in the country for more than the time-eligibility period set by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement is no longer eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance or Refugee Medical Assistance under the MRRP. As of August 1, 2016, time eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance expires at the end of the eighth month a refugee is in the U.S. A refugee may be eligible for assistance under other programs. The Case Management Provider shall review cases at least 30 days prior to the expiration of RCA and RMA eligibility and refer refugees to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance, the Office of MassHealth or other agency(ies) that may offer support when it appears that such support or other services will be needed. The Case Management Provider shall make referrals in a timely manner that will minimize the chances of an interruption in assistance.
If there is a dispute as to a refugee's date of entry, it shall be resolved by information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rather than by fair hearing. If such information is not available in the case record or its accuracy is disputed, the Case Management Provider shall assist the refugee in obtaining correct information from USCIS. Until corrected by USCIS, the date of entry into the U.S. shall be the date in the case record from USCIS.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.660 - Notice

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Adequate Notice
. The Case Management Provider shall give applicants and recipients adequate notice of any action to deny, reduce, suspend or terminate assistance. The notice shall contain:
(a) A statement of the intended action;
(b) The reason(s) for the intended action;
(c) A citation to the regulation(s) supporting the action;
(d) An explanation of the right to request a fair hearing;
(e) The circumstances under which assistance is continued if a hearing is requested; and
(f) A statement that if the action is upheld, assistance paid pending appeal is subject to recoupment.
When changes in either federal or state law require automatic grant adjustments for classes of recipients, notice to the recipient shall be considered adequate if it includes a statement of the specific change in law requiring the action rather than a citation to a regulation required in 121 CMR 2.660(1)(c).
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.665 - Notification of the Right to Request a Hearing

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) At the time of application, and at the time of any Case Management Provider action affecting his or her assistance, each applicant or participant shall be informed in writing of his or her right to a hearing, of the method by which a hearing may be requested, and of the right to an authorized representative.
(2) Whenever an applicant or participant indicates disagreement with a Case Management Provider action, the applicant or participant shall be informed of the right to request a fair hearing. This includes a determination on a claim of exemption from participation under 121 CMR 2.725 or a denial of a claim of good cause under 121 CMR 2.730.
(3) The Case Management Provider shall assist the applicant or participant in requesting a fair hearing by providing an appeal form and, if requested, by helping with the completion of the form. The Case Management Provider must assure the unrestricted freedom to request a fair hearing.
(4) If there is an individual or organization that provides free legal representation, the Case Management Provider shall inform the applicant or participant requesting a hearing of the possible availability of that service.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.670 - Time Limits for Requesting a Hearing

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The date of request for a fair hearing is the date on which ORI receives a written statement from the applicant or participant or his or her representative appealing an action or proposed action or failure to act by a Case Management Provider. Receipt by the refugee's Case Management Provider, who shall forward the request to ORI, shall also constitute receipt by ORI.
(2) The request for a fair hearing must be postmarked or delivered to ORI or the refugee's Case Management Provider within the following time limits:
(a) 45 days from the date of official written notice of action by the Case Management Provider.
(b) Unless waived by the ORI Director or his or her designee, 60 days from:
1. The date of application when the Case Management Provider fails to act on an application;
2. The date of request for service when the Case Management Provider fails to act on said request; or
3. The date of Case Management Provider action when the Case Management Provider fails to send official written notice of the action, unless the appellant files an affidavit with the Director of ORI stating that he or she:
a. Did not know of the right to appeal;
b. Reasonably believed that the problem was being resolved administratively;
c. Was justifiably unaware of the conduct in question; or
d. Was unaware of the action taken.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.675 - Continuation of Benefits Pending Appeal

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) If a refugee requests a hearing (postmarked or delivered to ORI or the refugee's Case Management Provider) within the ten-day timely notice period, Refugee Cash Assistance shall not be reduced or terminated until a decision is made after a hearing, unless:
(a) The sole issue is one of state or federal law requiring automatic adjustments for classes of participants and the computation of the grant is not an issue;
(b) A change affecting the participant's grant occurs while the fair hearing decision is pending and the participant fails to request a hearing after notice of the change;
(c) The participant requests that he or she not receive continued assistance pending appeal; or
(d) The reason for termination is the expiration of time eligibility unless there is a factual dispute about the dates of eligibility, but see 121 CMR 2.655 for resolution of disputes regarding dates of entry.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.700 - Employment Services

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Services
. ORI contracts with Employment Services Providers and others for the provision of employment services that are designed to help the assistance unit achieve early employment and help the family to achieve durable self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.
(2)
Family Self-sufficiency Plan
. Refugees participate in employment services according to the requirements of 121 CMR 2.000 and their Family Self-sufficiency Plan. The Family Self-sufficiency Plan is a detailed action plan having definite short-term and long-term employment goals. The short-term goals are designed to assist each participant to enter the workforce as soon as possible. The long-term goals relate to durable self-sufficiency for the assistance unit. The Plan shall contain specific benchmarks and timelines for anticipated services required to achieve the short-term and long-term goals.
The Plan and any modifications to it are the result of consultations among the assistance unit's employable member(s) and his or her case manager and employment specialist. The Plan and any modifications shall be a written document signed by each participant, the client's case manager and the client's employment specialist.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.705 - Pre- and Post-employment Services

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
The following describes some of the services available, subject to funding, eligibility and inclusion in a Family Self-sufficiency Plan. They are designed as pre-job placement services to help each participant become employed as soon as possible and as post-job placement services to help the assistance unit achieve durable self-sufficiency.
(a) Assessment is the development of a composite profile of the participant's work history, training, education, physical condition, competencies, English language proficiency, present degree of employability, and existing barriers to employment.
(b) Information and Referral provides the participant with an accurate and current knowledge of resources available to accelerate progress toward early employment and durable self-sufficiency and provides help to enable participants to identify and gain access to resources appropriate to their needs.
(c) Pre-employment Orientation is an activity, including instruction that familiarizes the participant with American work habits and procedures and provides information and preparation necessary to find and maintain employment.
(d) Job Counseling is interaction with the participant designed to help him or her in making decisions that will lead to overcoming barriers to employment and to acquire skills needed to be a competitive job seeker and productive worker.
(e) Job Development is the development of entry-level employment opportunities and employment opportunities at higher levels that contribute toward the achievement of durable self-sufficiency.
(f) Job Placement is the employment specialist's placement of a participant into a job.
(g) Follow-up Services assist a participant in making the successful transition to employment by providing the necessary support to the participant and employer so that the participant is able to maintain his or her job and move toward durable self-sufficiency.
(h) English Language Training (ELT) is language training designed to provide the participant with the language skills and cultural background needed to seek and maintain entry level employment. ESL may be available as a post-placement activity to provide the participant with the skills necessary to upgrade employment.
(i) Vocational English Language Training (VELT) focuses on a given occupation or specific vocational area that reflect local employment needs. It provides the language skills needed to seek, retain or upgrade employment in a specific vocational area.
(j) Vocational Skills Training (VST) provides short-term job skills training to assist refugees to upgrade current employment or to obtain new employment with clearly defined career advancement opportunities.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.710 - Support Services

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Subject to available funds, time eligibility, and other eligibility requirements, MRRP offers the following employment support services:
(a) Refugee Cash Assistance;
(b) Refugee Medical Assistance; and
(c) Early Employment Retention Bonus.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.711 - Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) Refugee Cash Assistance is available to the participant as temporary financial support. It is also available to certain refugees who are exempt from participation. Non-financial and financial eligibility requirements and factors are described in 121 CMR 2.400 through 2.565.
(2) Refugee Medical Assistance is available to a refugee to provide access to medical care. It is available to participants and non-participants. Eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance is not required to be eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.712 - Early Employment Retention Bonus

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Subject to available funds a refugee may receive an early employment and retention cash payment designed to encourage acceptance of early employment. and continued participation in the labor market.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.715 - Participation in Employment Services

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
Unless exempt, each employable refugee shall participate in employment services specified in a Family Self-sufficiency Plan. The Case Management Provider shall refer participants to Employment Service Providers. If there is no ORI contracted Employment Service Provider available for a participant, the Case Management Provider shall refer the participant to other employment service providers.
The Employment Service Provider shall provide the Case Management Provider with documentation of participation in activities and of any change(s) in the participant's status. Both the Case Management Provider and the Employment Services Provider are responsible for providing one another with information concerning the participant when such information affects eligibility or status in the MRRP or progress toward early employment or durable self-sufficiency.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.720 - Participation Requirements

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) Each participant shall participate a minimum of 20 hours and up to 30 hours per week in approved employment services.
(2) English and Vocational English language training must be provided in a concurrent rather than sequential time period, together with other employment services.
(3) A participant shall not terminate employment nor refuse an appropriate job offer without good cause.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.725 - Exemptions from Participation

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) A refugee is exempt from participating, unless he or she chooses to participate, if:
(a) The refugee is younger than 18 years old; or is a student younger than 22 years old, regularly attending full-time high school, technical or vocational school, or any other secondary school in grade 12 or below or an equivalent level of vocational or technical training. A student loses his or her eligibility as a student as soon as he or she: receives a high school diploma or its equivalent, stops regularly attending school, or turns 22 years of age.
Regularly attending means attending at least 80% of the days since enrollment. Regular attendance is not interrupted when the student is temporarily absent for reasons accepted by the school or institution, official school or institution vacation, illness or family emergency. The student is considered to be regularly attending through the end of his or her graduation month.
(b) The refugee is caring for another member of the family who has a physical or mental impairment which requires, as determined by competent medical authority, care in the home on a substantially continuous basis, and no other appropriate member of the family is available.
(c) The refugee is ill or injured seriously enough to temporarily prevent entry into employment services for not less than an expected 120 days, as determined by competent medical authority.
(d) The refugee is working 20 hours or more per week in paid employment expected to last a minimum of 30 days. This exemption will continue if there is a temporary break of no longer than ten days in the full-time employment.
(e) The refugee is pregnant, and the child is expected to be born within the next four months.
(f) The refugee is incapacitated by a physical or mental impairment that either alone or when combined with age prevents the person from engaging in employment or training. The incapacity is expected to last through the end of the refugee's time eligibility.
(g) The refugee is a parent or other caretaker relative who personally provides full-time care of a child younger than two years of age.
(h) The refugee is 65 years of age or older.
Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 121 CMR - OFFICE FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS › Title 121 CMR 2.000 - Massachusetts Refugee Resettlement Program › Section 2.800 - Noncompliance

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1)
Noncompliance
. A refugee who is required to participate in Employment Services is in noncompliance if:
(a) The refugee fails to meet his or her 20 through 30 hours of participation per week, as required in the Family Self-sufficiency Plan, or otherwise fails to cooperate as required by 121 CMR 2.000; or
(b) A refugee has terminated employment or refuses an appropriate offer of employment without good cause.