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Older Refugee Program

The Older Refugee Program is a federally funded program designed to assist elderly refugees who have a demonstrated need for supplemental services and assistance. The grant targets counties who have been highly impacted by the settlement of a large number of elderly refugees. In order for the community or service area to qualify for this grant, there is a minimum elderly population threshold of at least 25 needy elders, age 60 or older who were admitted to the United States as refugees or asylees and who have not yet obtained their citizenship.

The Office of Migrant, Refugee, and Labor Services distributes the grant directly to local agencies who in turn administer the programs in their communities. Local agencies are required to plan and collaborate with their Area Agency on Aging. The program is designed to address the specific cultural, social and linguistic needs of the elderly refugee population by allowing them to participate in individual as well as group activities that strive to improve and bridge social relationships between them and the broader community in which they live.

Agencies under contract for the Older Refugee program must submit quarterly program reports and comply with other contract obligations.