What is RCA?
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.
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.
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.
How to Apply or Submit Documents for RCA:
Online at: www.benefitscal.com – select Cash Aid
By phone: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at 1-800-560-0976
By fax: (916) 875-8262 or e-fax (916) 854-9263
In person:
2700 Fulton Ave.
Sacramento, CA 9582
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 3960 Research Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95838
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 5747 Watt Ave.
North Highlands, CA 95660
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
2450 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95822
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 210 North Lincoln Way
Galt, CA 95632
Office Hours:
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | |
RCA application:
SAWS 2 PLUS: English, Spanish ,Russian
For information about your case:
Call the Service Center and follow the prompts at 1-800-560-0976
Service Center Hours Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Online: visit www.BenefitsCal.com 24 hours a day
In person: See Office Locations and hours of operation above
SAR 7 Information
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:
- Call 1-800-560-0976
- Watch the video SAR 7 video
- See written Instructions HOW TO FILL OUT YOUR SAR 7
Reasonable Accommodations
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 for CalWORKs you may:
- Verbally by calling the Service Center at 1-800-560-0976 or while speaking to a worker about your case
- Submit a written request online, by mail, by fax, or in person
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.
For more information on the RCA program, see:
RCA Fact Sheet May 2023
