Moving to a new country can be had. You may need help finding a job, learning English, finding a doctor, getting housing, or understanding government programs.
Wisconsin has programs to help refugees connect to these services.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) works with local organizations across the state to provide refugee services. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get help with employment, English classes, health care, cash assistance, education, legal services, and other needs.
Start Here: Find Help Near You
If you are not sure what help you need, or you need several types of help, start with Wisconsin’s Find a Refugee Services Provider page.
Find a Refugee Services Provider
This page lists organizations by county and shows what services they provide. Services can include:
- Help finding a job
- English language classes
- Help connecting with public programs
- Health services
- Medical screening
- Help for children in school
- Youth mentoring
- Services for older refugees
- Help becoming a U.S. citizen
You can search the list by the type of service you need.
Need Health Care?
Wisconsin’s refugee health programs can help newly arrived refugees get medical screening and connect with health care.
Refugee medical screening is a comprehensive health screening for recently arrived refugees. Refugee health programs can also help people understand health care in the United States and connect with medical services.
Learn About Refugee Health Services
You can also find health providers through the DCF refugee services directory:
Find a Refugee Health Services Provider
Need Health Insurance or Medical Assistance?
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) provides health insurance and medical assistance to eligible refugees and other eligible newcomers.
RMA is generally available during the first four months in the United States. Eligibility can include refugees, certain Special Immigrant Visa holders, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, victims of trafficking, and other groups who qualify under federal law.
Learn About Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
A local resettlement agency can help you apply. You can also apply for RCA and RMA through a local W-2 office.
Need Temporary Financial Help?
You may qualify for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).
RCA provides temporary cash assistance to eligible refugees and other qualified newcomers during their first four months in the United States. This assistance can help while you look for work, learn English, and become established in your new community.
Learn About Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Important: If you have children, are older, or have a disability, you may qualify for other Wisconsin programs instead of or in addition to refugee assistance. A local service provider or W-2 office can help you understand which programs you may qualify for.
Need Legal Help?
If you need help with immigration or another legal issue, see this list of organizations that provide legal services to refugees and other eligible populations.
This page includes information about immigration legal service organizations, accredited representatives, immigration attorneys, and other legal resources.
Need Housing or Help With Another Problem?
United Way’s 211 system can help you find other types of help in your area, like:
- Housing
- Rent
- Food
- Utilities
- Transportation
- Child care
- Health care
- Mental health services
- Emergency needs
- Other community services
Search for Services Through 211 Wisconsin
You can search by the type of help you need and find organizations in your community.
You can also call 2-1-1 to connect with a person who can help you find local resources.
Help for Children and Young People
Refugee programs can also provide support for children and young adults.
Services may include:
- Help for refugee students in elementary, middle, and high school
- Support for families and schools
- Mentoring for young adults ages 15–24
- Help with education and career goals
Find School and Youth Services
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone
There are many organizations across Wisconsin to help refugees and other eligible newcomers. You may not know which program you need when you first arrive. That is OK.
A good place to start is the Wisconsin DCF Find a Refugee Services Provider page:
Find a Refugee Services Provider Near You
You can also visit the main Wisconsin Refugee Services page for information about the different programs available:
If you need help with something that is not specifically a refugee service, 211 Wisconsin can help you find resources in your local community.
