California announces disaster relief assistance for undocumented adults
(KION) The California Department of Social Services announced that it will be providing state-funded disaster relief assistance to undocumented immigrants through the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) Project.
The funding is intended for adults who are not eligible for other forms of assistance, such as the CARES Act and pandemic unemployment benefits, because of their immigration status.
Applications will be available starting May 18, and the Department of Social Services said nonprofit organizations should not be contacted about DRAI until that date because applications will not be accepted before that time.
To be eligible for DRAI funding, an applicant must show that they are an undocumented adult, they are not eligible for other assistance and have experienced hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Approved applicants will get a DRAI payment card with one-time assistance.
Twelve nonprofit organizations throughout California will be administering and delivering the assistance. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and funding is limited.
After May 18, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz County residents can contact the Community Action Board Santa Cruz to apply by calling 800-228-6820 or visit the website here.
The state expects that the funding will reach about 150,000 undocumented adults, and those who qualify can get $500 in direct assistance with a maximum of $1,000 per household.
