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

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. Apply through your county social services office — CDSS directs CAPI applicants to their county rather than a statewide phone line.

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

Step by step

1. Gather your immigration documents, such as a green card, refugee or asylee papers, or other records that show your lawful immigration status.
2. Collect proof of your identity and age, proof of California residency, and bank statements from the last 3 months.
3. Pull together proof of all income you receive — this includes Social Security, pensions, sponsor support, and any wages.
4. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) has already sent you a denial notice for SSI based on your immigration status, locate that letter and include it with your documents.
5. Apply online through your county social services office — the California Department of Social Services directs CAPI applicants to their county rather than a statewide line.
6. After submitting, follow up with your county welfare department if you have questions about the status of your application or want an estimate of processing time.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your county welfare department will review your documents and determine your eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact your county office directly for an estimate. If approved, you will receive a monthly cash benefit set just below the combined SSI/SSP standard — roughly the same monthly amount a citizen on SSI would receive. Each year, your county will conduct an annual redetermination to confirm you still qualify, so be ready to provide updated documents when that review comes around.

Renewals

annual redetermination by the county welfare department