Cash Assistance for Immigrants CAPI
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (“CAPI”) is a cash benefit program for low-income people who are aged 65 and older, are blind, or who have a disability that meet the general eligibility requirements for SSI but are not eligible for SSI because of their immigration status. (See section on What Benefits Are Available to Immigrants”)
CAPI benefit amounts are similar to SSI ($10 less for one person, $20 less for a couple). Like SSI, benefits are lower if you share housing or don’t pay your full share of household expenses.
If you are eligible for CAPI you may also be eligible for Medi-Cal, Food Stamps and In Home Supportive Services but you will need to apply for these separately.
To get CAPI, you must first attempt to get SSI . If you are turned down for SSI only because of your immigration status, you may qualify for CAPI.
You can get recorded information about CAPI in a number of languages at the CAPI service center’s toll free number 24 hours a day:(800) 929-8118.
If you want additional information about applying for CAPI, you can leave a message at the toll free number, and your phone call will be returned as soon as possible. All calls are confidential.
Sacramento County residents may file an application at the:
Department of Human Assistance
1725 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program
Who is it for?
TCVAP is a cash assistance program for non-citizen victims of crime who are in need of immediate services, and who are obtaining a legal humanitarian status or assisting in the prosecution of a crime. This includes victims of human trafficking who have not yet been certified by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), victims of domestic violence, and other serious crimes.
How to Apply:
Apply online at Benefitscal.org. To apply in person or to find out more about TCVAP benefits in your county, please call your local County Social Services agency. For Sacramento County call: 800-560-0976.
TCVAP Fact Sheet:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/Portals/9/TCVAP/FactSheets/Trafficking_Fact_Sheet.pdf
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Who is it for?
RCA is a cash assistance program for refugees who are not otherwise eligible for any other cash aid. RCA also includes employment and other social services to assist a refugee in becoming self-sufficient.
Population that could be eligible for the RCA encompasses all of the following groups: Refugees, Asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Afghan and Ukrainian Parolees, Amerasians, and Certified Victims of human trafficking.
RCA is available for up to 12 months from date of admission to the U.S. in qualifying status, date of final grant of asylum or date of certification by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as Victim of Trafficking.
The Cuban and Haitian Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA) is also a 12 month, federally funded needs-based cash assistance program for qualified Cuban and Haitian who have a current or expired parole, who are in pending removal proceedings, or who have a pending application for asylum are Cuban/Haitian Entrants and thus are eligible for ORR benefits and services, same as a refugee. The program mirrors the Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) program.
How to Apply:
Apply online at BenefitsCal