Refugee Cash (RCA)
Program Overview
The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program provides a monthly cash benefit to:
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders
- Amerasians
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- Victims of trafficking
Read More About RCA
The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program helps groups collectively known as refugees. The RCA provides a monthly cash benefit for up to 12 months from the date of entry to the U.S., date of final grant of asylum, or date of certification for trafficking victims, also known as date of eligibility for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) benefits and services.
RCA serves refugees who don't qualify for other cash programs with the Department of Social Services (DSS).
RCA provides benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like an ATM card. RCA benefits can also be deposited directly into your bank account.
DSS works with Connecticut agencies to provide resettlement services including:
- Case management
- Employment assistance
- Additional supportive services to refugees
Eligibility
Eligible populations living in Connecticut that have been determined ineligible for Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but meet the income and resource eligibility requirements are eligible for RCA.
Income limits:
- The RCA income limits are consistent with the TFA program and based on the size of the household.
- Active RCA households can earn up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and remain eligible.
Asset limit:
- The household asset limit is $3,000
- One vehicle is excluded if the total value, minus any payments owed, is under $9,500, or used to transport a household member with a disability
- The value of all other vehicles, excluding the first vehicle, counts toward the $3,000 asset limit
Documents and Information You Need to Apply
After submitting an RCA application, you must complete a phone interview with DSS to review the information listed on your application. DSS also explains the program rules and requirements and answers any of your questions about the program.
You may be asked to provide the following:
- Proof of identity
- I-94, passport, etc.
- Social Security number
- Or verification that you applied for a Social Security number
- Proof of wages, before taxes, for anyone in your household who works
- Pay stubs
- Letter from employer, etc.
- Proof of residency
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Rent receipt
- Utility bills, etc.
- Proof of immigration status
- I-94, USCIS document providing legal admission, etc.
How to Apply
- Apply online: Visit www.connect.ct.gov and click “Apply for Benefits.”
- Apply by mail: Complete the W-1E Application for Benefits and mail it to DSS ConneCT Scanning Center, PO Box 1320, Manchester, CT 06045.
- Drop off your application: Complete the W-1E Application for Benefits and drop off the completed application at a local DSS Regional Office. See a list of local offices here.
- Apply by filling out application in-person for SNAP benefits at local DSS office. See a list of local offices here.
Need Help?
DSS field offices are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). The DSS Client Information Line & Benefits Center phone line can be reached by calling 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). Phones are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Need Help or an Accommodation?
Visit a DSS field office where a worker can help you fill out forms, get documentation, make medical appointments, and get medical documentation to prove a disability.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing and have a TDD/TTY device can contact DSS at 1-800-842-4524.
Persons who are blind or visually impaired can contact DSS at 1-860-424-5040.
See a full list of DSS field offices here.
Learn more about applying for RCA