Department of Human Assistance (DHA)
DHA is responsible for ensuring refugees are assessed for and obtain the public assistance they are eligible for. Along with other housing partners, DHA has been engaged in discussions about how to address the housing and shelter needs of those arriving.
DHA manages the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA) which provides federal cash payments to refugee single adults for 12 months from the refugee's date of entry into the United States. Eligible RCA recipients receive cash assistance based on the CalWORKs Maximum Aid Payment (MAP). RCA also includes employment and other social services to assist a refugee in becoming self-sufficient. Families may also be eligible for the CalWORKs Program for cash assistance. In addition to these cash benefits, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders may be eligible to receive:
- CalFresh benefits,
- Medi-Cal benefits,
- Homeless Assistance, which includes 16 days of Temporary Shelter,
- Allowances for therapeutic diets,
- Pregnancy special needs; and,
- Loss of items that may have occurred after arrival in California.
Learn more about the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA) and who is eligible at Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA)
Applications can be accepted at these locations:
Galt Bureau
210 North Lincoln Way
Galt, CA 95632
209-745-3484
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fulton Avenue Bureau
2700 Fulton Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95821
916-874-3800
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
North Highlands Bureau
5747 Watt Avenue
North Highlands, CA 95660
916-876-8000
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Research Drive Bureau
3960 Research Drive
Sacramento, CA 95838
916-648-0894
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
South Area Multi-program Bureau
2450 Florin Road
Sacramento, CA 95822
916-875-8100
Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Online Applications can also be accepted at: MyBenefits CalWIN (Select Cash Aid)
In addition to County services, many other local organizations will play a role in supporting Afghan refugees.
For instance, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) contracts with services providers who directly provide these services. Employment Services include:
- English-as-a-second language (ESL) instruction,
- Cultural orientation,
- Pre-employment skills training, and
- Social services assistance to help overcome obstacles to employment