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Requirement to Apply
Basic eligibility criteria for SSA Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), with a few exceptions, are the same as those for SSI/SSP.
As a condition of eligibility, an individual must apply for SSI/SSP in a timely manner within the required 30-day period after receiving instruction from a Social Services Benefits Specialist (SSBS), provide proof of application, and fully cooperate in the application/appeal process with the SSA.
Note: Confirmation of denial of SSI/SSP must be obtained for all CAPI applicants prior to issuance of CAPI benefits. [Refer to Ineligibility for SSI/SSP].
Exception: Individuals who are determined not to be a qualified alien must not be referred to SSA to apply for SSI/SSP. [Refer to Immigration Status].
To be eligible for Conditional CAPI, an individual must apply for SSI/SSP benefits within 30 calendar days of signing the Request for Conditional CAPI after Naturalization pending SSI/SSP Eligibility Determination Form (SOC 830). Clients must provide proof of application and fully cooperate in the SSA application/appeal process. [Refer to Conditional CAPI for Naturalized U.S. Citizens].
How to Apply
According to the SSA’s website, below are the current methods for applying for SSI/SSP:
- Online by completing the application for disability (there is currently no option to apply for SSI Aged benefits online),
- In person at a local SSA office, or
- Over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- Clients who utilize telecommunication relay services may also be assisted by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- Clients who are deaf or hard of hearing may utilize TTY and call 1-800-325-0778.
Important: If language assistance is needed, the SSA will provide an interpreter at no cost to the client, or clients may use a bilingual family member, friend, or other third party to interpret. [Refer to the SSA webpage: SSI Spotlight on Interpreter Services | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA]. Clients may also choose someone to help with applying for SSI/SSP in general.
Good Reason for Not Applying
Any client who does not file for SSI/SSP within 30 days of receiving instruction from the SSBS to apply is not eligible, or does not remain eligible, for CAPI unless the SSBS determines that a good reason exception exists for not filing within the 30-day period. Examples of good reasons include, but are not limited to:
- The SSA's appointment process causes a delay with filing for SSI/SSP that causes the client to go beyond the required 30-day period.
- The client is temporarily hospitalized and cannot file for SSI/SSP within the required 30-day period.
- Natural disasters or other county deemed urgent circumstances outside of the client's control prevent them from applying for a benefit within 30 days.
Once it is determined that a good reason exists, no negative action may be taken against the client for not applying for a benefit or SSI/SSP within the required 30- day timeframe. When a circumstance creates a good reason for not applying within the required timeframe, the SSBS must modify the timeframe to allow the client an opportunity to comply with program requirements. The SSBS will establish a reasonable timeframe, not exceeding 30 days from the date the SSBS was notified of the good reason. There is no limit to the number of good-reason extensions if the client continues to provide evidence.
All extensions must be documented in the CalSAWS Journal.
SSA Appointment Letter
When CAPI applicants/recipients receive an appointment letter/notification from SSA, they must submit it to the SSBS immediately so the SSBS can determine whether a good reason exception is applicable. The date indicated on the appointment letter must be used as the start of the 30-day eligibility determination period.
Evidence showing a determination of ineligibility for SSI/SSP due to immigration status, or evidence that an SSI/SSP application has been filed, must be submitted to the county within 30 days of the appointment date. When CAPI applicants/recipients do not provide this required evidence and no good reason exists, the SSBS may deny or suspend CAPI benefits as appropriate.
Reasonable Accomodations
CAPI serves individuals with disabilities and people age 65 and older; therefore, many individuals may need reasonable accommodations to comply with program requirements.
For example, if a client requests additional time to complete their SSI/SSP application, the SSBS should ask why more time is needed. If the reason is related to a disability, the SSBS should treat the request as a reasonable accommodation. If the reason is not related to a disability, the SSBS must determine whether it justifies granting a good reason exception.
Refer to the General Information topic in the CAPI Handbook or the Services to People with Disabilities topic in the Common Place Handbook for further information regarding reasonable accommodations.
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