Additional Resources
This session was designed to support direct service providers in building a clear, practical understanding of public benefits available to refugees and other ORR-eligible populations in California. The webinar covered Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), CalWORKs, and related programs, including eligibility requirements, timelines, and the roles of county agencies in administering benefits.
Participants also walked through the benefits application process, including required documentation, common challenges, and best practices for supporting clients. The session emphasized coordination with county agencies, troubleshooting common errors, and sharing practical strategies and resources to help providers confidently guide clients through benefits enrollment.
Resource Links
CalWORKs
Program Overview
Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), Public Law 104–193
Federal law that established Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which CalWORKs implements in California.
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) 11104
California statute outlining CalWORKs program authority and requirements.
Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) §42-431.2
State policy guidance related to non-citizen eligibility and program administration.
Federal guidance on restrictions for non-qualified immigrants accessing federal public benefits.
All County Informational Notice (I-71-2000)
County-level guidance clarifying eligibility and implementation considerations.
Eligibility Verification & Immigration Status
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE)
Federal system used by counties to verify immigration status for benefit eligibility.
CalWORKs Services & Supportive Programs
Temporary and permanent housing assistance for eligible families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
CalWORKs Home Visiting Program (HVP)
Voluntary program supporting pregnant and parenting CalWORKs participants with child and family well-being.
Child care services available to eligible CalWORKs families to support employment and education.
Intensive services for families facing significant barriers such as housing instability, mental health needs, or domestic violence.
Transforming CalWORKs Initiative
Statewide effort to modernize CalWORKs with a focus on family outcomes, engagement, and equity.
CalWORKs Contact Information
Early Engagement & Eligibility Bureau
RCA
Federal & State Policy Guidance
Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 400
Federal regulations governing refugee resettlement programs, including RCA.
Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP) 69-200
California policy guidance for Refugee Cash Assistance.
Eligibility & Documentation Requirements
Guidance on acceptable immigration documents and eligibility requirements for ORR-funded programs.
Recent Policy Updates
ORR Dear Colleague Letter 25-13
Announces the reduction of RCA and Refugee Medical Assistance eligibility periods for certain individuals.
CDSS All-County Welfare Directorate Letter (ACWDL), May 2, 2025
State guidance to counties implementing the RCA eligibility period reduction.
Applying for Refugee Cash Assistance
California’s online application portal for cash assistance, including RCA and CalWORKs.
Other Related Programs
Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP)
State-funded benefits and services for eligible non-citizen victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes.
RCA Contact Information
Refugee Programs Bureau Contact
Phone: (916) 654- 4356
Email: rpb@dss.ca.gov
RCA Policy Related Questions: refugeepolicy@dss.ca.gov
Additional Support
New Asylee Orientation- Webinar
This orientation is for persons recently granted Asylum status. This webinar* occurs on the second Tuesday of every even-numbered month (February, April, June, August, October, December) from 10am-12pm.
This is a webinar exploring programs and tools to help you better support clients, especially when they’re struggling to meet basic needs like housing, dental care, vision, or utilities.
Certain California counties where large populations of refugees reside are designated as refugee-impacted. These refugee-impacted counties offer additional employment and social services to refugees.
County Refugee Coordinators (CRCs) are individuals in refugee-impacted counties who develop strategies and operating procedures, and oversee funding for their county's refugee services and programs.