How to apply for Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

Who it's for

CAPI is a 100% state-funded cash benefit that mirrors SSI for aged, blind, or disabled non-citizens who would qualify for federal SSI but are barred from it solely because of their immigration status. The monthly payment is set just below the combined SSI/SSP standard (typically about $10 less for an individual), so a CAPI recipient receives roughly the same monthly cash as a citizen on SSI. It is administered by county welfare departments on behalf of the California Department of Social Services. CAPI exists specifically to close the gap left when federal welfare reform restricted SSI for many lawfully present immigrants — a large share of California's low-income immigrant seniors are eligible but never apply because they assume immigration status disqualifies them from everything.

What you'll need

• Immigration documents establishing lawful presence (green card, refugee/asylee documentation, or other status records)
• Proof of identity and age
• Proof of California residency
• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Proof of all income (Social Security, pensions, sponsor support, wages)
• A denial notice from SSA for SSI based on immigration status, if one has already been issued

Where to apply

Renewals

annual redetermination by the county welfare department