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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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Chapter 21 Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

21.1 Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Refugees are entitled to apply for the same benefits and service programs that are available to U.S. citizens. If they meet the financial and non-financial requirements of those programs, they are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Energy Assistance Program, and any other benefit program that is offered through the Department of Social Services.

The Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) provides time limited cash assistance to eligible populations that meet the financial criteria of the TANF program, but do not meet a non-financial criterion. For example, adults with no dependent children may receive RCA. Families with minor children that meet TANF eligibility guidelines may be approved for TANF benefits and are not eligible for RCA.

The application for RCA must be filed within the four-month time requirement as outlined in the “RCA Time Limits” section of this chapter.

1. The process to determine a refugee’s eligibility for any of the public assistance programs begins when the refugee applies for benefits at the local Department of Social Services (DSS). Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) eligibility determination and any changes, after approval, are made at the county office.

2. The refugee completes the DSS Form 3800 “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Application; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application; Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Application” or the online Application for Assistance at: https://benefitsportal.dss.sc.gov.

3. Refugees who do not meet TANF requirements, may be eligible for time limited Refugee Cash Assistance.

Chapter 21