Offers up to twelve months of cash help for refugees who are single adults or couples without dependent children. Eligible individuals may receive RCA, Medi-cal and CalFresh during the first 12 months in the country. RCA recipients are also enrolled in an employment and training program. This program helps refugees find employment, and are provided with additional refugee supportive services.
Eligibility: RCA is limited to 12 months of assistance from the following dates:
Refugees - from the date of entry into the United States
Asylees - from the date asylum is granted
Victims of a severe form of trafficking - from the date they are certified by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Eligible family members of certified trafficking victims are eligible for RCA from the date of entry into the U.S. or the date of the Derivative T Visa is issued if already present in the U.S.
Individuals applying for status as a victim of severe form of trafficking or other serious crimes - from the date of application to USCIS
Iraqi and Afghan SIV individuals- from the date of entry with an SIV status or the date of adjustment to SIV status
RCA applicants and recipients must meet all conditions of eligibility, including:
Have a qualifying refugee status (see RCA Overview)
Be under the income and resource limits
Not a full-time student at an institution of higher education
Participate in employment and training services
Requirements: Photo identification
Proof of income and resources
Documentation of legal immigration status
Work or school status
Name and contact number of responsible Voluntary Agencies (VOLAG), if applicable
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