Program Description:
The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program is available to help individuals and families. The purpose of RCA is to provide short-term cash assistance to Refugees who are ineligible for other cash assistance programs. Marylanders who are Refugees, Asylees or Victims of Severe Trafficking as defined by Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) can apply for this benefit.
Eligibility:
The RCA program provides cash assistance to newly arrived individuals and families. Customers may receive the benefit for up to eight months after obtaining a qualified status or arriving in the United States. All employable refugees must register for employment services. Any person who is 65 or older must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Regional Variations
None. Benefits and eligibility are according to RCA program policy.
Where to Apply:
You must file an application for refugee cash assistance to find out if you are eligible. To do this, go to the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) in the county where you live. Refugees and asylees in the Baltimore Metropolitan area (Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard and Harford Counties), must apply at the:
Baltimore Resettlement Center
3516 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
410-558-3166
For more information on other services available to immigrants through the Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees(MORA).
Online Services
- Am I Eligible for Benefits?
- Online Child Support Information
- Notification of Petition for Guardianship and Mutual Consent Adoption
- Photos of Children Awaiting Adoption
- Abbreviated Listing for All Children
- BCDSS Kinship Parent Training Survey
- The Maryland Community Services Locator
- Foster/Kinship Parent Training Registration