News
Uniting for Ukraine. Registration of Documents for Ukrainian Refugees
Before the beginning of a full-scale war the Ukrainian diaspora was created in different countries of the world. Since February 24, 2022, the number of Ukrainian migrants has significantly increased but this time with a different status.
The status of a refugee does not include many services and opportunities as, for example, a common visa or any other document. For this reason, Ukrainians started migration to North America using Humanitarian Parole, and later the government of Canada gave permission to issue them a visa. The most popular program to go to the USA is Uniting for Ukraine, which has been already used by more than a thousand Ukrainian citizens searching for a shelter.
In order to understand what to do next and how to settle abroad, it is worth remembering several factors when applying for residence. If you do not have any savings with you, you should not waste time and immediately apply for benefits including Food stamps, Cash assistance, Medicare and other services useful for Ukrainians and submit all the necessary documents for obtaining a Work Permit (or Employment Authorization) and Social Security Number.
Work Permit or Employment Authorization
On November 21, 2022, there were some changes in the conditions for obtaining documents for employment: a resident who has crossed the border under the U4U program has the right to work immediately from the first day of his stay in the USA. However, Form I-765 must be filled in and submitted to the employer within 90 days. It can be completed for free online or in a paper form.
- to file Initial permission to accept employment;
- to fill in "Ukraine" in "Country of Citizenship" and/or in "Country of Birth".
- Form I-94;
- copy of a foreign passport;
- 2 photos 5x5 cm;
- Form I-765 printed.
In order to get a job immediately after the arrival in the USA, you must show the employer the documents that confirm your identity: a foreign passport and Form I-94. But it is worth remembering, that you can legally work with this form for only 90 days, so make sure that the I-765 form is delivered to the employer on time, so that you can continue working.
Social Security Number
Social security number is a unique nine-digit number intended for tax and pension records. A SSN is issued for free by the Social Security Administration once in a lifetime and does not require renewal. In fact, it is a national identification number. You will be asked for it when you get a job, pay taxes, receive benefits, open a bank account, get health insurance and even rent an apartment.
On December 22, 2022, the Social Security Administration published new instructions for its employees regarding the issuance of social insurance numbers for citizens of Ukraine.
Entering the USA under Humanitarian Parole and the U4U program, the Ukrainians have the right to work by status, they can obtain social security numbers with the right to work after submitting only a passport and Form I-94 to the Social Security Administration. They also need to file Application SS-5 to the administration.
The experience of Ukrainians in the USA shows that it is necessary to make an appointment with the Social Security Administration online. Otherwise, you will have to wait in a live queue up to several hours. You will have to wait for SSN about 2-3 weeks. Ready paper will be sent to you by mail.
Social Security Income
The U.S. Social Security Administration has finally issued an order to accept Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pension applications from Ukrainians admitted to the USA on a humanitarian basis.
SSI is a government pension that goes to low-income people aged 65 and over, and the disabled. According to the law of May 21, 2022, citizens of Ukraine admitted to the USA under Humanitarian Parole (via Mexico or under the Uniting for Ukraine program) have the right to get SSI. Such explanation is added to the official SSA website.
The amount of the SSI pension varies from state to state as some states pay their benefits up to the federal minimum. The federal minimum in 2023 is $914 per month for an individual or $1,371 per month for a married couple.
To apply, you need to go to the nearest Social Security Administration office with your passport, Form I-94, Social Security Number, income and savings information, and housing information (lease agreement or information about relatives with whom the applicant lives). If applying for a disability pension, a person must also provide information on diagnosis, treatment and doctor’s contact information.
SNAP, TANF, SSI
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released information on the main federal benefits which Ukrainians with Humanitarian Parole have the right for.
Accordingly, Ukrainians, who have already received or will receive Humanitarian Parole in the USA (including participants of the U4U program) from February 24, 2022 till September 30, 2023 because of Russian armed aggression against Ukraine, have the right to file documents regarding the main benefits available to refugees during the validity period of their Humanitarian Passport.
However, benefits are only available for 12 months from the date Humanitarian Parole begins.
These benefits include: financial assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); health insurance through Medicaid; food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Ukrainians are also entitled to financial assistance, medical assistance, professional training and job search assistance, English learning, and other services provided by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
In order to apply for the assistance, you need to contact the State Government Benefits Office or the nearest Office of Refugee Resettlement in the state where you live.
