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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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Effective January 1, 2026, the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and the Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) Cash Assistance was increased to 12 months. Those who become eligible on or after January 1, 2026, are subject to the new 12-month eligibility period. 

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RCA Eligibility Requirements and Resources
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The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program provides cash assistance, Medi-Cal, and CalFresh to refugees for 12 months starting with the month in which the person was admitted into the U.S. as a refugee, the date asylum was granted, or from the date of application for aid (for trafficking and crime victims). Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) provides cash assistance to certain aged, blind, and disabled legal non-citizens ineligible to Supplemental Security Income/ Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). Refugees who are receiving CaIWORKs or SSI/SSP cannot receive RCA.

Note: Effective January 1, 2026, the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and the Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) Cash Assistance was increased to 12 months. Those who become eligible on or after January 1, 2026, are subject to the new 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.

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.

Local Refugee Support Services

 If You Need Assistance with a Reasonable Accommodation, call the ADA Hotline at (844) 586-5550.

 DPSS is committed to promoting equitable, inclusive, and fair access to public services regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, acts of retaliation and other protected classes. For more information, please visit Your Civil Rights.