Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

RCA is a 4-month time-limited cash assistance program for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid. RCA is available for up to 4 months from the date of admission to the United States when there is a qualifying status; asylum is granted; or date of certification by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as a Victim of Trafficking.

Note: Effective May 5, 2025, the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and the Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) Cash Assistance was reduced from 12 months to 4 months. Those who become eligible on or after May 5, 2025, are subject to the new 4-month eligibility period, while those who became eligible prior to May 5, 2025, will remain eligible under the 12-month eligibility period.

Eligibility for RCA

You may be eligible to RCA if you are a:

• Refugee;
• Asylee;
• Cuban/Haitian Entrant;
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holder;
• Afghan or Ukrainian Parolee;
• Amerasian; or
• Certified Victim of Human Trafficking.

RCA also includes employment and other social services to assist a refugee in becoming self-sufficient. 

When applying for RCA, your household must include either a:

• Single adult(s) who does not have children;
• Married couple who does not have children; or
• Family with a child(ren). 

REP is a job service for you as a refugee customer. If you are not exempt, you must participate in REP.  REP can help you:

• Find a job;
• Stay employed;
• Move on to high paying jobs; and
• Help you get off RCA.