CW Update 23-06: Timely Issuance of RCA and Overview of Refugee Cash Assistance Program and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program and CIU Referral/Notification (RS 3) Requirement
CalWORKs Handbook
| Date | References | Clerical | Handbook(s) Revised |
| Revised 12/18/23, Original 9/11/23 | ACIN I-20-23 and I-36-23 | No | Yes |
Background
The Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA) is a federally funded program that provides up to 12 months of cash assistance for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash assistance programs. RCA follows federal rules and regulations as a requirement of the program.
Applicant(s) that were deemed mandatory employment services registrants, had to comply with registering with the Central Intake Unit and Service Provider prior to approval of benefits.
Due to the increase in immigrant populations arriving to the United States and applying for cash assistance benefits the Refugee Program Bureau (RPB) would like to remind staff of the federally- and state-funded programs available to immigrant populations with certain immigration statuses or documentation. The newly arrived newcomers who apply for RCA and Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP) are to be given the opportunity to apply and, if eligible, receive the program benefits in a timely and efficient manner.
Policy/Changes
Applications for RCA must be determined as promptly as possible within no more than 30 days from the from the date of application. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) continues to emphasize the importance of meeting these standards particularly considering the urgent needs of ORR eligible populations. When there is an identified Immediate Need, the application must be processed expeditiously.
Once eligibility has been determined and benefits issued promptly, the EW must ensure that the Central Intake Unit Referral/Notification (RS 3) has been sent to the Central Intake Unit prior to transferring the case. It is the responsibility of the recipient to begin participation in employment services. If the recipient is not found to be exempt or have good cause, they must register and participate in employment services within the first 30 days of receipt of aid. Eligibility Workers (EWs) should make it clear to the recipients that should they fail to comply with this requirement, their assistance will be discontinued, unless they have good cause for not participating.
The following CalWORKs Handbook sections have been updated to reflect the changes and clarifications added to the RCA sections of the CalWORKs Handbook:
- Refugee Cash Assistance
- Refugee Program-Application Processing
- Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP)
- RCA & ECA Work Registration Application Requirements
- Work Registration, Employment and Training Requirements
Implementation
The changes in this Update are effective immediately.
Documentation
Journal entries must include immigration document presented or found on SAVE with the Class of Admission along with Date of Entry. Immediate need should be explored and documented along with all other journal entry requirements.
Supervisors
Supervisors must review the policy clarifications and changes with their respective staff.
Angela Shing, Director
Department of Employment & Benefit Services
Contact Person: Romelia Cuellar, SSA BPIS, 408-755-7540