Get financial assistance for refugees with Refugee Cash Assistance
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is a cash assistance program for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid. RCA also includes employment and other social services to assist a refugee in becoming self-sufficient.
Are you eligible?
RCA is available for up to 12 months from date of admission to the U.S. in qualifying status, date of final grant of asylum or date of certification by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as Victim of Trafficking.
Population that could be eligible for the RCA encompasses all of the following groups: Refugees, Asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees, Amerasians, and Certified Victims of human trafficking.
If eligible, you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal and may also qualify for CalFresh Food benefits if requested.
You can use the BenefitsCal Ask Robin online virtual assistant before completing an actual application to estimate your eligibility.
Once you apply a County Eligibility Worker will decide if you qualify.
Application process
- Complete and submit an application.
- Get an interview. A phone or in person interview will be scheduled with a County Eligibility Worker.
- Paper documents may be needed if income, citizenship or other information cannot be verified electronically or is questionable. For a list of paper documents that could be needed view commonly used verification documents.
- Within 30 days of the day you apply, you will get a Notice of Action (NOA) in mail. This will let you know if your RCA application was approved or denied.
- If approved, you will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in mail. You may arrange through your County Eligibility Worker to pick up your EBT card at a County office.
Additional contact information
Using your benefits
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card
To use your benefits you will get a plastic EBT card, also known as the Golden State Advantage card. You can use it just like a debit or ATM card by entering a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). For security the PIN will be sent in a separate mailing, follow instructions to change PIN.
How to check your EBT card balance, buying history and places to use your EBT card:
- Visit EBT Client Website
- Call (877) 328-9677
Beware of EBT theft and scams
Protect yourself against scams, always keep your EBT card and PIN safe and secret. If you receive a text, email or phone call asking for your EBT card number or PIN, do not provide your information, this is a scam! If you have been a victim of stolen benefits: Report the theft to your county worker or (408) 758-3800 within 10 days.
Places where you can use your EBT card
You can use your EBT card at any store or ATM that displays the Quest mark, to find locations visit: CA EBT Locator.
Some locations charge a fee for using your EBT card, find out how to get your cash benefits at no cost!
Keeping your benefits
Regular reporting
The County will send you a form in the mail 6 months after you apply to report changes. These may be changes in your income, property or other factors that may affect your benefits. If you don't return the form your benefits will be stopped.
Account maintenance
If your mailing address or phone number change, please update your contact information through your County Eligibility Worker.
Things to know
Frequently asked questions
RCA is available for up to 12 months from date of admission to the U.S. in qualifying status, date of final grant of asylum or date of certification by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as Victim of Trafficking.
The amount is determined by a County Eligibility Worker after taking into consideration your income, the number of eligible family members in your home, and income limits and available payment amount.
Any income you have, including income from a job, will be considered, but you may still be eligible depending on the amount of that income.
Resources are looked at when determining eligibility, depending on their value.
No. You do not have to pay back your RCA cash assistance.
Yes, unless you have a qualifying reason you cannot participate. Employment services can help you find a job, stay employed, move on to higher paying jobs and help you get off RCA.
Full time students in a college program in an institution of higher education are not eligible for RCA.
Contact the County Worker that is handling your case. You will find their contact information of the top right corner of the last County Notice of Action (NOA).
If you are not satisfied with the response from your County Worker, ask to speak to a Supervisor.
If you are not satisfied with the response from a Supervisor, you may request a free confidential case review from our County Ombudsman Office by emailing [email protected].
OR
You have a right to ask for Hearing. To request a Hearing, follow the instructions on the back side of the County NOA you received.
Fill out the back of the NOA and send or take page to:
Appeals Unit
County of Santa Clara Social Services
333 W Julian St.
San Jose, CA 95110-2335
OR
Call (800) 952-5253
TDD for hearing or speech impaired (800) 952-8349