Who is it for?
Non-citizen victims of crime who need immediate services and are obtaining a legal humanitarian status or assisting in the prosecution of a crime. This includes victims of human trafficking who have not yet been certified by the Office of Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) and victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes.

To be eligible for federally-funded benefits and services, an individual must be certified as a victim of a severe form of human trafficking. The DHHS, Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is the federal agency responsible for certifying trafficking victims. The ORR provides information to state and local governments and service providers on the requirements for certification, the documents that victims of severe forms of trafficking are issued, and the procedures agencies should follow in confirming eligibility for benefits.

TCVAP provides critical benefits and services to non-citizen victims of human trafficking before receiving certification by ORR. Eligibility for state-funded benefits and services is extended to trafficking victims who: 

1. Can make a sworn statement or have documentation showing that they are a victim of human trafficking; and 
2. Meet the income and resource limitations; and
3. Have submitted, or are preparing to submit an application for a T-Visa to USCIS; have continued presence; or are otherwise taking steps to meet the eligibility conditions for federal benefits. 

TCVAP also provides critical benefits and services to non-citizen victims of domestic violence and other serious crimes who:

1. Have filed for or been granted a U-Visa from USCIS; and 
2. Meet the income and resource limitations. 

State-funded benefits and services are equivalent to federally-funded benefits available to refugees and certified trafficking victims. Victims are required to meet all income, resources, and other program eligibility requirements.  
 

• TCVAP Assistance Program Fact Sheet.

In addition to benefits through TCVAP, recipients may also be eligible for services such as employment assistance, job training, and more. Visit the Enhanced Services for Asylees and Vulnerable Noncitizens (ESAVN) program webpage for more information.  

How to Apply:

You may apply online at BenefitsCal.com (Select Cash Aid), in person at our main office or any of our outstation offices, by phone at (209) 754-6448 or fax at (209) 754-9049.  
You may call our office at (209) 754-6448 if you have questions or need assistance.

 
Already Getting TCVAP:

For questions or problems with your TCVAP benefits, contact your local County Social Services agency for assistance or the CDSS TCVAP coordinator at (916) 654-4356, email at TCVAP@dss.ca.gov.

Trafficking Victims Hotline: (888) 373-7888

For additional resources related to victims of trafficking please click here.