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Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Program provides temporary assistance and employment-focused services through the Refugee Employment Program to individuals who are not eligible for other welfare assistance. Included with the RCA financial assistance provided to help pay for housing and other necessary expenses is a monthly CalFresh benefit and Medi-Cal benefits.

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RCA Eligibility Requirements and Resources
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RCA is a 12-month time-limited cash assistance program for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid. RCA is available for up to 12 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.

 

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.

Requirements and resources for the RCA program are similar to the CalWORKs Program and can be viewed online at "Basic Eligibility Requirements" and "CalWORKs Program Resources" below. 

Apply On-Line with BenefitsCal

The easiest and quickest way is to apply for CalWORKs online at BenefitsCal.

Apply by Telephone for CalFresh and Medi-Cal
You can apply by phone. Call the Customer Service Center (CSC) (866) 613-3777 to have an application mailed to you.
Apply In Person
You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.