Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)

What is Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)? 

CAPI is a 100 percent state-funded program that provides monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens (immigrants) who are not eligible to Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) solely due to their immigration status. The amount of CAPI benefits is equivalent to the amount of SSI/SSP benefits.

An individual who is eligible to CAPI may also be eligible for Medi-Cal, CalFresh and In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), but they must file for each benefit separately. There is no automatic eligibility link between CAPI and these other programs.

An individual may be eligible for CAPI if you meet all of the following conditions:

• Are a non-citizen and meet the immigration status criteria in effect for SSI/SSP as of 8/21/96.
• Are age 65 or over, blind or disabled.
• Are ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to their immigration status. (This means they must apply for SSI/SSP, or submit other proof of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration.)
• Reside in California.
• Have income less than the CAPI standards.
• Have resources below the allowable limits of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
• Successfully complete the application process.

Who is not eligible to the CAPI program?

• US Citizens
• Residents of a public institution
• Anyone who lives outside of the United States for more than 30 days
• Fleeing felon
• Anyone who violates a condition of probation of parole
• Anyone who fails to file for all other benefits for which they are eligible to

How can I apply for CAPI?

Fill out the CAPI Application (SOC 814) and send to us by mail or fax.  Or drop it off at one of our office locations.

Mail Address:  DSS, PO Box 1912, Fresno, CA 93718

Fax Number: (559) 600-7706

Applications are available in these languages:  English | Spanish | Armenian | Chinese  

Learn more about CAPI

Individuals interested in learning more can also visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) webpage for CAPI.