CONFIRMED: Trump Admin Has Cut Refugee Assistance to Four Months Under New Federal Rule

Federal change slashes refugee aid eligibility from 12 to 4 months, prompting state-level adjustments after Illinois agencies confirm Implementation.

WASHINGTON — Refugees arriving in the United States will now only be eligible for four months of federally funded cash and medical assistance—down from the previous 12 months—according to a March directive from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) effective May 5, 2025.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) issued a joint policy memorandum this week confirming the implementation of the shortened eligibility period for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA).