What are the California-specific requirements to be eligible for the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)?

To be eligible for California's Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), you must be an aged, blind, or disabled non-citizen who is ineligible for federal SSI benefits solely due to your immigration status. You must also meet specific income, resource, and residency requirements. Here are the steps to determine your eligibility and apply: Step 1: Confirm Your Personal and Immigration Status You must meet three criteria: be a California resident, be aged (65 or older), blind, or disabled, and have a "qualified" immigration status (e.g., Lawful Permanent Resident/Green Card holder, refugee, or asylee). You must be ineligible for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only because of your immigration status. Step 2: Apply for Federal SSI Benefits First You must first apply for and be denied federal SSI benefits. You can apply at your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or online. Keep the formal denial letter from the SSA, as it is required for your CAPI application. The reason for denial must be your immigration status, not for another reason like excess income. Step 3: Gather Required Documents Collect proof of identity, age (birth certificate, passport), immigration status (Green Card, I-94), your Social Security number, and the SSI denial letter. You will also need financial records, including recent bank statements, pay stubs, and proof of other assets to show you meet the CAPI income and resource limits. Step 4: Submit Your CAPI Application Fill out and submit the CAPI application (Form SOC 814) to your local county social services or human services agency. You can find your local office online. Submit the application along with copies of all the documents you gathered in Step 3. Important considerations: CAPI has strict income and resource limits, which are similar to SSI. For an individual, the resource limit is generally $2,000, not including your primary home and one vehicle. If an immigration sponsor signed an affidavit of support for you, a portion of their income and resources may be counted as yours, which could affect your eligibility. Note: This program is a benefit of last resort. You must apply for all other potential benefits first. CAPI is not considered under the federal "public charge" inadmissibility rule, so receiving it should not harm your future applications for a green card or U.S. citizenship. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, especially those involving a sponsor's income, you should consult with a qualified California attorney or an accredited representative.