Information and Resources for Afghans
This page contains information for Afghan citizens and nationals evacuated to the U.S. who are now residing in California.
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If you have been granted humanitarian parole and have not attested your vaccination status, please visit the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website and complete the online Vaccination Status form:
Afghan Parolee Vaccination Status | USCIS
Please note that as of September 30, 2023, only certain relatives (spouses, children) of Afghan and Ukrainian parolees are eligible for benefits provided through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including the Refugee Health Assessment Program. If arriving after September 30, 2023, please read the
ORR Dear Colleague Letter (PDF) to check for eligibility for Office of Refugee Health services.
How to Get a Medical Screening in Californiaāā
Eligible arrivals from Afghanistan can get a free mediācal screening throughā the Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP). There are 11 RHAP clinics in the state of California. Please visit the RHAP County Clinics webpageā for the list of clinics. Visit the How Can New Arrivals Get a Free Medical āScreening in Californiaā webpageā for more information on what the medical screening covers and what to do if your county does not have a RHAP clinic.
Special Note Regarding Medical Records for Afghans Who Were on Safe Havens
Medical records for Afghans who were on Safe Havens have been sent to the Office of Refugee Health. Please email/call your local refugee health programā or email the Department of Defense at dha.ncr.healthcare-ops.mbx.dod-oaw-health-records-request@mail.mil āfor more information.
āAfghan Arrival Assistance Resources
Information on Eligibility Documentation
Information on Medi-Cal and Other Public Benefits
The following documents contain information on available public benefits and Medi-Cal eligibility for new Afghan arrivals:
How to Sign Up for Medi-Cal and Public Benefits
Within a few days of arrival to California, new arrivals should apply for Medi-Cal, and other public benefits:ā
āāCalFresh provides cash benefits towards healthy and nutritious food.
CalWORKS provides cash aid and services to eligible families who have a child in the home.
If there is no minor child in the home, Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) provides cash aid and services to Office of Refugee Resettlement eligible populations.
Medi-Cal provides affordable, high-quality medical and dental care services to children and adults who meet the Medi-Cal eligibility requirements.
Individuals may apply online onāā āāthe BenefitsCal websiteā. As an alternative, applications can be submitted in person to the local county Human or Social Service Agency. The Department of Health Care Services County Offices webpage can be used to find the local county office. āā
The California Public Benefits Fact Sheet (PDF) contains more information on how to sign up for public benefits in California.
If applying for California Public Benefits in person, the Public Benefits Application Cover Sheet (PDF) includes a checklist of necessary documents to apply for public benefits in CA.ā
More information on the Medi-Cal Dental Program can be found on the Dental Care for Medi-Cal Recipients fact sheet (PDF) and on the Department of Health Care Services website. Medi-Cal can also cover transportation to medical, dental, and pharmacy visits. The Medi-Cal Transport Tool Fact Sheet (PDF) contains information on how to coordinate transportation.āā
For Afghans Seeking Resettlement Agency Services and Benefits in California
Resettlement agencies may be able to assist with public benefits, legal referrals, assistance with employment authorization, and school enrollment. You must contact a resettlement agency within 90 days of entry to the United States to be eligible for resettlement agency services.
Mental/Behavioral Health Resources
Wellness Helpline for Afghans: Offers counseling services
to newcomers who are experiencing sadness, anger, anxiety, depression,
difficulty sleeping, or any other distress. Call (800) 615-6514. Helpline
workers will respond to callers in English, Dari, or Pashto 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, and will provide connections to counseling services and
referrals, telehealth services, and more. āā
Behavioral Health Services for Afghan Arrivals (PDF)
Afghan Medical Professionals Association of America HEAL Project ā virtual/telehealth medical and mental health services for new Afghan Arrivals including those without health insurance. For more information contact: 571-427-5923 or 301-392-7660 healproject@ampaa.org. ā
āTuberculosis and Vaccine Information
Information on Employment and Resources
Afghan parolees must submit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services āForm I-765, Application for Employment Authorizationā, before they can work legally in the United States. The USCIS Information for Afghans page āincludes step-by-step information how to submit form I-765 so you can receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the United States.
Legal Resources
Additional Resources