The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has informed counties about presumptive disability payments in the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI).
When a CAPI applicant has certain medical conditions, the county can make a presumptive disability determination which makes the applicant eligible for six months of benefits while their disability evaluation is pending. The conditions are listed in MPP section 49-025.1. Additional conditions are stated in this letter. Presumptive disability payments cannot be for more than six months. These payments are not overpayments if the applicant is eventually found not disabled unless non-disability factors cause the overpayment.
If someone who received presumptive disability payments is found to be not disabled and then reapplies for CAPI, they can get presumptive disability payments again only if there is documentation or a worsening physical or mental condition, there is documentation of a new impairment, or there is a strong likelihood the claim will be approved.
When presumptive disability payments are granted, the notice of action must state the presumptive disability payments will end after six months. If six months pass and there has not been a disability determination, the county must send a notice of action ending presumptive disability payment and stating that the case remains open pending a disability determination.
The county should send a notice of denial when the applicant is determined to be not disabled, or when a decision could not be made because the applicant did not cooperate with the disability evaluation. (ACL 26-14, February 20, 2026.)