Domestic Medical Screening (DMS)

All refugees are required to receive a domestic medical screening (DMS). However, other ORR-eligible populations in the categories below may also seek a DMS within 90 days of eligibility:

• Asylee
• Special Immigrant Visa Holder
• Certified Victim of Trafficking
• Cuban and Haitian Entrant
• Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolee (UHP)
• Afghan Humanitarian Parolee (AHP)

A domestic medical screening (DMS) is a comprehensive exam of all family members’ physical and emotional health to address any health issues as a new arrival starts their new life in the US. During health screenings, treatment plans and follow-up appointments can be arranged to address any health concerns that may already exist or are discovered during the exam.

In addition to the medical screening, there will be a universal well child check form filled out for your child to send to their school, and their vaccinations will be completed to be able to enroll as soon as possible. 

The NJDHS-ONA contracts with the following healthcare centers to provide DMS services to ORR-eligible populations, ensuring providers are knowledgeable of the unique needs of refugees. 

Any other physician or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide a screening using this standard DMS form and returning it by fax to 609-341-5485.  Any questions can be directed to NJRefugeeProgram@dhs.nj.gov.

Clients are entitled to free language interpretation during all medical visits at any FQHC, hospital, or healthcare center that accepts Medicaid. 

Additional Information to Prepare for A Domestic Medical Screening

Seven things you need to know before your Domestic Health Screening:  Arabic, Dari, English, Farsi, French, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, Urdu

Stool Specimen Instructions: Arabic, Dari, English, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Russian, Ukrainian, Swahili

State Benefits Programs

NJ FamilyCare is a federally and state funded health insurance program. Qualified New Jersey residents of any age may be eligible for free or low-cost healthcare coverage that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health and substance use services, and even hospitalization. You can apply for NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) by visiting NJFamilyCare.org

The NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJ SNAP) provides food assistance to families with low incomes to help them buy groceries through a benefits card accepted in most food retail stores and some farmer’s markets. You can use SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy.Contact the local county board of social services for additional information.

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)/ Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) provides temporary cash assistance and assists families who participate in New Jersey’s workforce and improve their economic standing through wages, child support and other income supports. A family may still be eligible to receive TANF while receiving money from other benefits. Contact the local county board of social services for additional information or visit the DHS Website. 

General Assistance, Work First NJ (WFNJ), provides cash and emergency housing assistance to individuals without dependent children.  Contact the local county board of social services for additional information or visit the DHS Website.      

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Benefits

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Cash Assistance for individuals or couples without dependent children. To see if you are eligible and to enroll in the RCA program near you, contact one of the refugee service providers near you.

Refugee Support Services (RSS) 
RSS provides social services coordination and supports including English language training and employment training and assistance. To see if you are eligible and to enroll in RSS services, contact one of these agencies near you.

You may be eligible for other ORR benefits (ESL, employment services). For more information, please contact one of these agencies near you: