California State-Level Support and Resources for Refugees in 2025

Key Takeaways

• The Refugee Housing Support Program covers rent and utilities up to 12 months for newly arrived refugees in select counties.
• Refugee Cash Assistance provides up to 4 months of cash aid for eligible refugees arriving less than 4 months ago.
• California created a statewide office under SB 12 (2024) to coordinate immigrant and refugee services and future online resources.

If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker in California in 2025, you may be wondering what kind of state-level support is available to help you settle, find housing, and become self-sufficient. California offers several programs and resources, with some recent changes and new opportunities. This guide will help you quickly figure out if you qualify for these programs, what you need to apply, and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements right now.

Key programs covered in this guide:
– Refugee Housing Support Program (RHSP)
– Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
– Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP)
– Statewide coordination and policy leadership
– Other resources and future developments

Let’s break down each program, starting with the most urgent needs like housing and cash support, and move on to broader state-level support.

Refugee Housing Support Program (RHSP)

The Refugee Housing Support Program is one of the most important new resources for refugees in California. It’s run by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and started accepting applications on October 1, 2024.

Who Qualifies for RHSP? (Yes/No Criteria)

You qualify if:
– You are a newly arrived refugee in California.
– You belong to a group eligible under the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) rules. This includes:
– Refugees
– Asylees (people granted asylum)
– Cuban/Haitian entrants
– Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders
– Afghan and Ukrainian parolees
– Amerasians (from Vietnam)
– Certified victims of human trafficking

You do NOT qualify if:
– You are not part of one of the groups listed above.
– You have already been in the United States for more than a year (the program is for newly arrived individuals).
– You do not live in one of the eight counties where the program is currently operating (contact CDSS to check if your county is included).
– You are not willing to participate in employment service activities (this is a required part of the program).

What Does RHSP Provide?

• Up to 100% of your monthly rent paid for up to 12 months
• Help with your security deposit when you move in
• Utility assistance (help paying for things like electricity and water)
• Light-touch case management (someone checks in to help you stay housed and solve problems)

Example

If you arrive in California as a refugee in November 2024, you can apply for RHSP. If you qualify, the program might pay your full rent and utilities for up to a year, as long as you take part in job search or employment programs.

Disqualifying Factors

• Not being in an eligible group
• Refusing to participate in employment services
• Living outside the program’s current counties
• Already having stable, long-term housing

How to Apply

• Contact the CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau:
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: (916) 654-4356
• Ask if your county is included and how to start your application.

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t qualify for RHSP, you can:
– Ask about other local housing programs through your county social services office.
– Contact local refugee resettlement agencies for emergency housing help.
– Apply for general housing assistance programs in your area (these may have longer wait times).

For more information, visit the California Department of Social Services Refugee Services page.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Program

The Refugee Cash Assistance program gives short-term cash support to help refugees and other eligible groups cover basic needs while they look for work.

Who Qualifies for RCA? (Yes/No Criteria)

You qualify if:
– You are a refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, SIV holder, Afghan or Ukrainian parolee, Amerasian, or certified victim of human trafficking.
– You have been in the United States for less than 4 months (as of May 5, 2025, the program changed from 12 months to 4 months of support).
– You are not eligible for other cash aid programs like CalWORKs.

You do NOT qualify if:
– You have been in the United States for more than 4 months since your arrival or asylum grant.
– You are already receiving other public cash assistance (like CalWORKs).
– You are not in one of the eligible groups listed above.

What Does RCA Provide?

• Monthly cash payments for up to 4 months
• Access to employment and social services to help you find a job and become self-sufficient

Example

If you arrive in California as a Cuban entrant in March 2025, you can apply for RCA. You’ll receive cash payments for up to 4 months, as long as you meet the requirements.

Disqualifying Factors

• Being in the United States for more than 4 months
• Receiving other public cash aid
• Not completing required reports (like the SAR 7 report, which you must file 6 months after applying to keep getting benefits)

How to Apply

• Online: BenefitsCal website
• Phone: 1-800-560-0976
• In person: At your county social services office
• Fax: Check with your local office for the correct number

You’ll need to provide proof of your immigration status, date of arrival, and other personal information.

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t qualify for RCA:
– Ask about other local emergency cash programs or non-profit support.
– If you have children, you may be eligible for CalWORKs or other family support programs.
– Look for food assistance (CalFresh) or other benefits through BenefitsCal.

Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP)

The Refugee Resettlement Program is a broader support system for eligible refugees and related groups. It helps with resettlement, social services, and integration into California communities.

Who Qualifies for RRP? (Yes/No Criteria)

You qualify if:
– You are a refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian entrant, certified trafficking victim, SIV holder, or Amerasian from Vietnam.
– You are newly arrived or have recently received your status.

You do NOT qualify if:
– You are not in one of the eligible groups.
– You have already received resettlement support and no longer need these services.

What Does RRP Provide?

• Help finding housing and work
• Access to social services (like language classes, job training, and health care referrals)
• Support with integration into your new community

Example

A family from Afghanistan with SIV status arrives in California. They can get help from RRP to find a place to live, enroll their children in school, and connect with job training programs.

Disqualifying Factors

• Not being in an eligible group
• Already having stable housing and employment

How to Apply

• Online: BenefitsCal website
• In person: At your county social services office
• Contact: CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau, Sacramento, CA, phone (916) 654-4356

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t qualify for RRP:
– Ask about other local immigrant support programs.
– Seek help from community organizations or faith-based groups that support newcomers.

Statewide Coordination and Policy Leadership

California has created new leadership roles and offices to make sure refugee and immigrant services are well organized and easy to access.

What’s New?

• SB 12 (2024): This law created a permanent statewide office led by a Director of Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion, appointed by the Governor.
• What the Office Does:
  • Develops plans and measures success for refugee and immigrant programs
  • Oversees grants for training and building capacity in local organizations
  • Identifies the best ways to deliver services
  • Reports to the Legislature twice a year on how things are going
  • By July 2027, will launch an online clearinghouse listing all services for immigrants and refugees

Who Benefits?

• All immigrants and refugees in California, including those not covered by other programs
• Local organizations and service providers

What If You Need Help Now?

While the online clearinghouse is being built, you can:
– Contact the CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau for guidance
– Ask your local social services office about available programs
– Check the California Legislative Information page for SB 12 for updates

Federal Coordination and Its Impact

California works closely with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), which provides funding and guidance for many state programs.

• In January 2025, the White House announced changes to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). This could affect how many refugees come to California and how resources are shared.
• California has passed laws (like A.B. 3133) to protect its refugee programs, even if federal policies change.

What This Means for You:
– California is committed to keeping support for refugees strong, even if there are changes at the federal level.
– If you’re worried about losing benefits because of national policy shifts, state-level support is designed to help fill the gaps.

Additional Support and Future Outlook

Holistic Trauma Assistance

• The new STAR Program (2025) from ORR focuses on trauma services for refugees who need extra help.
• California may add these services to its own programs, so ask your caseworker about trauma counseling or mental health support.

Ongoing Challenges

• Housing in California is expensive and hard to find. Programs like RHSP and RCA help, but demand is high.
• If you’re struggling to find housing, keep in touch with your case manager and ask about waiting lists or emergency options.

What’s Coming Next?

• By January 2027, the Statewide Director of Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion will create a plan to improve how services are delivered.
• By July 2027, an online clearinghouse will make it easier to find and apply for all available services.

Summary Table: Quick Reference

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying

• Keep your documents ready: Have your arrival papers, proof of status, and any letters from the government.
• Apply as soon as possible: Many programs have strict time limits (like 4 months for RCA).
• Stay in touch with your case manager: They can help you with paperwork and let you know about new programs.
• Participate in required activities: For RHSP, you must join employment services. For RCA, you must file reports and look for work.
• Ask about other help: If you don’t qualify for one program, there may be others you can try.

Official Resources

• California Department of Social Services Refugee Programs Bureau:
  cdss.ca.gov/refugee-services
  Email: [email protected]
  Phone: (916) 654-4356
• BenefitsCal (for RCA and other benefits): www.benefitscal.com
• Sacramento County Refugee Services: ha.saccounty.net/benefits/RCA
• California Legislative Information (SB 12): legiscan.com/CA/text/SB12

Final Takeaways

California’s state-level support for refugees and asylum seekers in 2025 is strong and growing, with programs like the Refugee Housing Support Program and Refugee Cash Assistance helping newcomers find stability. The California Department of Social Services plays a central role, and new leadership positions are making it easier to get help and find information. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to the CDSS Refugee Programs Bureau or your local social services office.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, California’s commitment to supporting refugees remains steady, even as federal policies change. If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker in California, act quickly to apply for the programs you qualify for, keep your documents up to date, and ask about new resources as they become available. With the right support, you can build a safe and stable life in your new home.

Learn Today

Refugee Housing Support Program → California program covering rent, deposits, and utilities for eligible refugees up to 12 months.
Refugee Cash Assistance → Short-term cash support offered up to 4 months to refugees and eligible groups for basic needs.
Office of Refugee Resettlement → Federal agency providing funding and guidance for refugee resettlement and related programs.
Special Immigrant Visa → Visa category for certain at-risk individuals, including Afghan and Iraqi allies eligible for resettlement.
Statewide Director of Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion → California official leading coordination and policy for refugee and immigrant services under SB 12.

This Article in a Nutshell

California supports newly arrived refugees with housing and cash aid programs starting October 2024. Key resources include RHSP paying rent and utilities, RCA cash assistance, and coordinated statewide leadership to improve refugee integration and self-sufficiency throughout 2025 and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com