Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Medium

What is Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)?

Refugee Cash Assistance is a time-limited, federally funded cash assistance program administered for eligible refugees (and certain other similar humanitarian immigrant groups) who are not eligible for the standard cash assistance program (such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF). It is intended to provide short-term financial support as newly arrived refugees become economically self-sufficient. 

Who can get RCA?

You may qualify if you:

  • Are ORR-eligible (e.g., refugee, asylee, Trafficking Victim, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, certain parolees).
  • Live in North Dakota and can show proof of ND residency.
  • Have been in the U.S. less than 4 months at the time of RCA eligibility.
  • Are not eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. (If you are TANF-eligible, you must apply for TANF).
  • Meet income and resource rules aligned with TANF policy.

Notes:

  • If you are eligible for Social Security Income (SSI), RCA ends when SSI benefits start.

What you need to do to receive benefits?

  • Register with the New American Employment Program (NAEP).
  • Actively looking for work.
  • English classes are encouraged, with no minimum hour requirement.

Failing to meet employment requirements without good cause can lead to sanctions (benefits reduced or ended). You will receive written notice and information on your right to mediation and a hearing.

How to apply

1) Gather and submit documents

  • Proof of ORR eligibility (e.g., I-94, EAD, DHS letter)
  • Photo ID (if available)
  • Proof of ND address (e.g., lease, letter from host)
  • Income information for household members

2) Submit forms

  • RCA Program Agreement
  • Protective Payee Agreement (only if you do not have a bank account)
  • Any provider in RDMS can submit an RCA referral

3) Complete the Apply for Services form, OR

The service provider can submit a referral on behalf of the client through the Refugee Data Management System (RDMS)

4) Interview & decision

  • You may be contacted for more information.
  • If approved, benefits are mailed by paper check.

Apply or ask questions at:

Website: Apply for Services
Email: refugeeservices@nd.gov
Phone: (701) 328-1220

Rights and responsibilities

You have the right to:

  • Get information in your preferred language.
  • Receive a written decision and appeal it.
  • Request mediation and a fair hearing.

You must:

  • Share accurate and complete information.
  • Report changes within 10 days (address, income, household, employment).
  • Meet employment requirements if you are employable.

If you move to North Dakota from another state

  • Tell ORS your date you entered ND and provide proof of residency and ORR eligibility.
  • Your RCA can continue here for the rest of your 4-month limit, after proof of closure in the prior state is submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medium
Frequently Asked Questions

You may receive RCA for up to 4 months from the date of eligibility, as long as you continue to meet the program requirements.

TANF takes priority. If you're eligible, you'll be referred to your Human Service Zone. TANF and RCA cannot be received at the same time.

Yes. You'll need to complete the Protective Payee Agreement (see below). Payments are currently issued by paper check.

Your notice will explain how to appeal, request mediation, or ask for a hearing.

Medium

Program management

  • Administered by: ORS, NDHHS
  • Application system: RDMS (through partners or ORS)
  • Payment method: Paper check (debit card option in development)
  • Alignment: TANF policies for rates and income disregards

Quick links