Cash Assistance for Refugees and Non-Citizens

Alpine County Health and Human Services provides services to eligible: 

  • Refugees
  • Asylees
  • Cuban/Haitian entrant
  • Certain humanitarian parolees
  • Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders
  • Amerasians
  • Noncitizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes populations. 

Members of the groups listed above are usually evaluated for eligibility to California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), CalFresh (food assistance) and Medi-Cal. Those who do not qualify for CalWORKs may also be evaluated for eligibility in one of the following programs.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) is available for the first 12 months that a refugee (admitted for permanent residence) is in the U.S.

In California, the refugee must first have eligibility for CalWORKs determined. If it is determined that the refugee is eligible for CalWORKs, aid must be paid under that program rather than from RCA funds.

The 12 months of RCA benefits for refugees are generally based upon the date of entry into the U.S. Asylees are eligible for up to 12 months from the date their asylum is granted. Trafficking and victims of severe crimes, including non-citizen victims of domestic violence, can also qualify to receive RCA benefits after receiving certification. Again, eligibility for CalWORKs must first be determined and aid will be paid under that program if eligibility exists.

Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP)

The Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) provides eligible non-citizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and other serious crimes, services such as cash assistance, food benefits, employment and social services. Benefits and services are modeled after the Refugee Resettlement Program which follows the same grant amounts, structure and time frames as RCA and CalWORKs.

Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

CAPI provides cash assistance to certain aged, blind and disabled legal non-citizens ineligible for SSI/SSP due to their immigration status. CAPI participants may be eligible for Medi-Cal, In-Home Supportive Services and CalFresh.

Eligibility is determined if the individual meets all the following conditions:

  • Non-citizen who meets the immigration status criteria in effect for SSI/SSP
  • Aged 65 or older, blind or disabled.
  • Ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to immigration status—this means the individual must apply for SSI/SSP or submit other proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration. 
  • Resides in California 
  • Has income less than the CAPI standards.
  • Has resources below the allowable limits. 

 
 HOW TO APPLY

There are several options available. You can request an application be mailed to you, pick one up at any of our county offices or simply apply online.

Online Application: BenefitsCal.com