Eligibility Letters

Foreign national minors in the United States who have been subjected to severe forms of trafficking in persons are eligible for certain benefits and services under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. HHS Interim Assistance and Eligibility Letters allow minors who may have or have experienced human trafficking, and meet certain eligibility rules, apply for the same benefits and services as refugees.

U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who may have experienced trafficking do not need HHS Letters to be eligible for similar services. They can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) for further assistance by calling 1-888-373-7888.

If you or someone you know has already received an Interim Assistance or Eligibility Letter, here are more resources that can assist:

• Trafficking Victim Assistance Program grantees can provide case management services to assist foreign nationals with HHS certification and enrollment in benefits.
• ORR State Refugee Coordinators can help navigate state-specific benefits questions.
• The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for technical assistance and service referrals.  Call 1-888-373-7888 or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org.

Family members of individuals who have experienced trafficking that have their own derivative T visas (T-2 through T-6) are immediately eligible for benefits and services to the same extent as refugees. They do not need any letter from HHS.