How to Use the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) is a California state-funded program that gives monthly cash assistance to certain low-income immigrants who cannot get federal SSI/SSP because of their immigration status. It is usually run through your county social services or county human services agency, not through immigration or federal Social Security.

CAPI is meant for disabled, blind, or older immigrants (typically age 65+) living in California who meet income, resource, and immigration rules but are excluded from federal SSI. It does not give you an immigration benefit and does not replace legal advice on your immigration case.

1. What CAPI Is and Who Typically Qualifies

CAPI is a cash benefit similar in amount and rules to federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but paid with state funds to certain immigrants. The money is usually loaded to an EBT card or deposited directly to a bank account once you are approved.

You are typically considered for CAPI if all of the following are true:

• You live in California.
• You are 65 or older, or meet the Social Security definition of blind or disabled.
• You have low income and limited resources under CAPI guidelines.
• You do not qualify for SSI/SSP solely because of your immigration status (for example, you are lawfully present but not in an eligible SSI category).
• You are not in a public institution for a full month (such as jail or certain state facilities).

Rules can change and may vary based on your exact immigration category or county policies, so a county worker will always look at your specific situation.

Key terms to know:

• CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants) — California cash aid program for certain low-income immigrants who cannot get SSI due to immigration status.
• SSI/SSP — Federal (SSI) and state supplement (SSP) cash assistance for aged, blind, or disabled people with very low income.
• County social services agency — Local government office that handles CAPI, CalFresh, and often Medi-Cal.
• EBT card — Electronic Benefits Transfer card where some cash and food assistance benefits are loaded each month.

2. Where and How to Start a CAPI Application

You do not apply for CAPI through the federal government or immigration offices. The main official touchpoints are:

• Your county social services/human services agency (in some counties called “Department of Public Social Services” or “Health and Human Services Agency”).
• The county CAPI unit or SSI-linked cash aid unit, which is often a specialized team within the county social services office.

A concrete action you can take today:

Call your county social services agency and ask to apply for CAPI. Use a search engine to look for your county name + “social services CAPI” and choose a site that ends in .gov to avoid scams. When you reach an operator, you can say: “I live in this county and I’m an immigrant who cannot get SSI. I would like to apply for CAPI cash assistance.”

Most counties offer:

• Phone application or phone interview.
• In-person application at a local benefits office.
• Sometimes an online benefits portal where you can start an application and a worker will follow up.

After you contact the county, you will typically be scheduled for an intake interview (by phone or in person), where a worker collects information about your identity, immigration status, disability or age, income, and resources.

3. Documents You’ll Typically Need and How to Prepare

CAPI has detailed rules, so counties usually request multiple documents to show that you are who you say, legally in the U.S., and financially eligible.

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Proof of identity and immigration status, such as a passport, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization card, or other DHS/USCIS-issued document.
• Proof of income and resources, such as pay stubs, Social Security award letters (if any), bank statements, or statements about support from family/friends.
• Medical or disability evidence if applying based on disability or blindness, such as doctor reports, hospital records, or Social Security disability decision letters.

You may also be asked for:

• Proof of California residency, like a current rental agreement, utility bill, or letter from a shelter or landlord.
• Social Security number or proof that you have applied for one, if required for your category.
• Immigration case receipts or decisions from USCIS, especially if your status is pending and you were denied SSI because of that.

Before you call or visit, gather whatever you already have into one folder: immigration documents, any letters from Social Security, bank records, and medical paperwork. Having these ready typically speeds up processing.

4. Step-by-Step: From First Contact to a Decision

Use this sequence to move through the CAPI process in order.

1. Identify your county social services agency.
   Search for your county name + “social services” or “public social services” and verify the site ends in .gov. Write down the main phone number, office address, and any customer service or benefits appointment line.

2. Make first contact and state you want CAPI.
   Call the main line and clearly say you want to “apply for the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, CAPI.” Ask what application methods are available: phone, in-person, or online start. If you are already getting other benefits (like Medi-Cal or CalFresh), ask if your existing caseworker can connect you to the CAPI unit.

3. Complete the application and interview.
   A worker will usually set up a CAPI intake interview. This may be done immediately on the phone or scheduled for a later time; you’ll be asked about your age or disability, living situation, immigration category, income, and resources. They will typically have you sign or electronically sign a CAPI application form and any release forms needed to verify disability or income.

4. Submit supporting documents.
   The county will tell you how to send documents — commonly upload to the county benefits portal, fax, mail, or drop off at the local office. Ask for a list in writing of what they still need and any deadlines, such as “return by 10 days from this notice.” Make copies of everything you submit and keep your case number handy.

5. Disability review or SSI coordination (if applicable).
   If you’re applying based on disability or blindness and do not have a current SSI disability decision, the county may coordinate with Disability Determination Services or use medical evidence you provide to decide if you meet the disability standard. This stage can take longer because medical records must be requested and reviewed.

6. What to expect next: notices and possible follow-up.
   Typically, you will receive a written notice by mail (and sometimes in your online portal) either:

   • Asking for more information or documents, or
   • Giving you a Notice of Action telling you if you are approved, partially approved, or denied and the estimated benefit amount.
     If approved, the notice often explains when payments will start, whether you will receive retroactive payments, and how you will get the money (EBT or direct deposit).

7. If you disagree or need changes.
   CAPI decisions usually come with appeal or hearing rights. If you think the decision is wrong, you can request a state hearing by the deadline printed on the notice. If your income or living situation changes later, you must report the change to the county CAPI worker within the timeframe shown on your paperwork, which can affect your benefit amount.

5. Real-World Friction to Watch For

Real-world friction to watch for

A very common snag is missing or unclear immigration or disability documents, which can delay CAPI decisions for weeks or longer. If you do not have all records, tell the county worker exactly which documents you lack and ask them to send you release forms so they can request records from doctors, Social Security, or other agencies on your behalf.

6. Staying Safe, Avoiding Scams, and Getting Legitimate Help

Because CAPI involves cash assistance, identity documents, and immigration status, be cautious:

• Only apply through your county social services/human services agency or the county’s official online benefits portal.
• Look for websites ending in .gov, and be wary of any site that asks for upfront payment to “guarantee” approval or speed up your CAPI case.
• Do not share your A-number, Social Security number, or copies of immigration documents with unverified individuals or through social media.

If you need help with the process, these legitimate options are commonly available:

• County eligibility workers or CAPI unit staff. You can call the number on your Notice of Action and ask questions about what is still needed, how to send documents, or how to check your case status.
• Legal aid or immigrant rights nonprofits. Many provide free help with public benefits applications and can explain the interaction between CAPI, SSI, and your immigration category. Search for “legal aid” or “immigrant legal services” + your city or county.
• Disability advocates or SSI advocacy programs. Some organizations help collect medical records and prepare disability-related information, which can also support your CAPI claim when based on disability.

A simple phone script when calling for help might be: “I live in [your county]. I am an immigrant who was told I do not qualify for SSI because of my immigration status. I would like help applying for the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) and understanding what documents I need.”

If you keep your documents organized, use only official government channels, and follow up promptly when the county asks for more information, you are in a strong position to move your CAPI application forward through the proper system.