How to apply for Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) — $50 a month in California

Who it's for

ADSA pays $50 a month to help with food, grooming and health care for a guide, signal or service dog. You qualify if you use an assistance dog for your disability and you get SSI/SSP, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Fill out form ADSA1 (ADSA1B if your benefit is SSDI) and mail it to CDSS at 744 P Street, MS 9-11-91, Sacramento, CA 95814. Renew each year with form ADSA1A. Questions: 916-657-2628 or ADSAUser@dss.ca.gov.

What you'll need

• Completed form ADSA1 (or ADSA1B for SSDI recipients)
• Proof you receive SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI or SSDI
• Information about your assistance dog

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) — $50 a month. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed form ADSA1 (or ADSA1B for SSDI recipients), proof you receive SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI or SSDI, information about your assistance dog — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check that you may qualify. You must use a trained guide, signal, or service dog for your disability and receive SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI, or SSDI.
2. Gather the needed information and papers. Have your completed form ADSA1 ready, or form ADSA1B if you receive SSDI. Also gather proof that you receive SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI, or SSDI, and information about your assistance dog.
3. Apply online or start your application by phone at 916-657-2628.
4. If you are filing by mail, complete form ADSA1, or ADSA1B if you receive SSDI, and mail it to the California Department of Social Services, Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program, 744 P Street, MS 9-11-91, Sacramento, CA 95814.
5. Answer any follow-up questions from the program if asked. Keep copies of your form and supporting papers for your records.
6. Renew each year with form ADSA1A to keep getting the allowance.

What to expect: After you apply, the program will review your form, your proof of SSI/SSP, IHSS, CAPI, or SSDI, and your assistance dog information. Because this is a may-qualify result, the program may need to confirm that you use a trained guide, signal, or service dog for your disability. Processing times vary, so ask the agency for an estimate if needed. If approved, remember to renew every year with form ADSA1A.

Renewals

annual (form ADSA1A)