Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Program (California)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Program (California) is sponsored by California Department of Public Social Services - LA County. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) 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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Currently, there is no impact on RCA or TCVAP Cash Assistance benefits. Customers are still required to comply with mandatory reporting requirements, such as completing a SAR 7 or mandatory mid-period information, such as income over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). Updated information will be posted on this page at a later date should there be any impact to RCA or TCVAP Cash Assistance benefits.

2024 Board Motion for Refugee Awareness Month CalWORKs/RCA Policy: DPSS ePolicy _____________________________________________________________ RCA Eligibility Requirements and Resources 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. You may be eligible to RCA if you are a: Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holder; Afghan or Ukrainian Parolee; 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: Move on to high paying jobs; and 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.

Basic Eligibility Requirements CalWORKs Program Resources 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.

Call (CSC) (866) 613-3777 You can apply In person at any Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) District Office or outreach site.

Find the LA County services and facilities that serve your area Local Refugee Support Services Refugee Employment Program (REP)/Housing Assistance for Ukrainians Additional Refugee resources can be found at: REP Resources and Useful Links 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 .