Cash Assistance for Immigrants

The State of California created a benefits program in 1998 for legal non-citizens in financial need who are either age 65 or older or people of any age, including children, who are blind or have a disability and are ineligible for SSI due to their immigrant status called Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
  

You may be eligible for CAPI payments if you have little or no income, and if the value of the things you own is less than $2,000 if you are single, or $3,000 if you are married. We do not count the value of the home you live in or your car (if it is not an expensive model). We count property and income you have outside of the United States as well as property and income you have in the United States.

Senior, blind or disabled immigrants who do not qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may be eligible to receive CAPI. Any eligible CAPI applicant should file an application. Applications are available at all Social Services Agency public contact offices. Administered through San Mateo County, cash assistance payments are sent directly to Alameda County residents.

For more information: You can get recorded information 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, by calling CAPI’s toll-free number, 1-800 648-0954 In Alameda County, the CAPI hotline is (510) 268-2332.

Frequently Asked Questions About CAPI

1. Am I eligible?
There is no quick answer to this one because CAPI rules are complicated and depends on individual cases. The best thing to do is to apply so your individual case may be evaluated.

2. Can I get CAPI if I get SSI?
No. Only people who are not eligible for SSI qualify for CAPI.

3. Will CAPI affect my chances of becoming a U.S. citizen?
If you apply for US citizenship, receiving CAPI will not matter unless you have committed fraud. If, for example, you hide your income and don't tell your CAPI worker the truth, this could affect your naturalization. Otherwise, there should be no effect on becoming a citizen.

4. How much is the CAPI benefit?
The CAPI benefit varies depending on one's living circumstances and income. It is always $10 less than the applicable SSI rate. The most common maximum benefit rates in the year 2002 for those without other income are:
a) $740 per month for an individual or
b) $1,312 per month for a couple.

5. Can I get General Assistance (GA) if I get CAPI.
No. However, you can apply for GA while your CAPI application is being processed.

6. If I get approved for CAPI, will it come with medical insurance to cover doctor's expenses and bills?
No. CAPI is monetary assistance. However, you can apply for Medi-Cal when you apply for CAPI.