Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) / Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA)

What is the process?

Apply for RCA

Applications for RCA must be made in person at any social service office.  Applicants will be asked to provide proof of all income and property as well as refugee status.  The presence of children, their age and number of hours worked are not requirements for this program.  If an applicant has a sponsor, they must provide this person’s information.

Interview for RCA

All applicants are required to have a face-to-face interview prior to approval of their RCA application.  At this interview, an applicant’s case manager will assess what exact verifications they will need to approve the case and will inform the applicant of these necessary verifications in written documentation with a due date.

Notification of RCA

If an applicant provides all needed verifications and meets the eligibility qualifications, they will be approved for a monthly cash aid amount for up to eight months from the date they entered the United States. If the applicant does not submit required verifications or meet the eligibility qualifications, their case will be denied.  Applicants who have been denied can re-apply at any time.

Who can use this service?

This service is only available for Refugees or Cuban/Haitian Entrants that are not otherwise eligible to the CalWORKs program.

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

A person can walk into the Social Service's office nearest them to apply.  Offices are open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except county-observed holidays).

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

  • If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
  • To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011
  • Mandated Reporter