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.
The population that could be eligible for the RCA encompasses all of the following groups: Refugees, Asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees, Amerasians, and Certified Victims of human trafficking.
Prior to May 5, 2025, RCA was 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.
As of May 5, 2025, newly eligible RCA customers will be eligible for up to 4 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.
Online: BenefitsCal.com
By phone: 1-800-560-0976
By Fax: (916) 876-8454 or e-fax (916) 854-9225
By Mail: P.O. Box 487 Sacramento, CA 95812
In Person: See locations
RCA application:
Use the SAWS 2 PLUS application
For information about your case, use one of following resources:
Online: BenefitsCal.com
By phone: 1-800-560-0976
By Fax: (916) 876-8454 or e-fax (916) 854-9225
By Mail: P.O. Box 487 Sacramento, CA 95812
In Person: See locations
Many households must complete a SAR 7 six (6) months after applying for RCA. The SAR 7 is due by the 5th of the month.
Complete your SAR 7 online at www.BenefitsCal.com or find the form here SAR 7 and submit by mail or in person.
Need help completing the SAR7:
Do you have any physical, mental, developmental, or emotional conditions that make it hard for you to apply for benefits or meet program requirements? We can give you extra help. We call this type of help a reasonable accommodation.
To request a reasonable accommodation, you may:
The law protects people with physical, mental, emotional, and developmental disabilities as well as others with serious health problems (42 U.S.C. § 12132). For more information, please review the PUB 13 and USDA Nondiscrimination Statement.