(Sacramento, CA) – As of today, undocumented Californians are able to apply for the Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI), which is a one-time cash assistance for undocumented Californian adults who have been impacted by COVID-19. The DRAI program is entirely state-funded and is not means-tested. Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. The disaster relief assistance amount is $500 per person, with a maximum of two individuals ($1000) per household.
“It is not news that undocumented immigrants have been hit hard by this pandemic,” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles). “I’m proud that California stepped up to provide this much needed assistance when the federal government failed to do so. It is important that eligible applicants apply as soon as possible. My team and I are here to help.”
Eligibility: To be eligible for disaster relief assistance, an individual must be able to provide information that they:
(1) are an undocumented adult (person over the age of 18);
(2) are not eligible for federal COVID-19 related assistance, like CARES Act tax stimulus payments or pandemic unemployment benefits; and
(3) have experienced a hardship as a result of COVID-19.
How to Apply: Eligible applicants must call one of their participating non-profits in their county or region. Once the non-profit does an initial intake, they will call again asking for three types of documents: 1) identity, 2) home or mailing address, and 3) proof of impact due to COVID-19. Applicants can send the documents via email.
Privacy Protection: Neither the state nor federal government would have access to the applicant’s personal information, including, but not limited to, your name and address. This is why we are working with community non-profits. Information is safe with them. Our office will also keep all information confidential.
Here to Help: If interested in applying, my office can assist applicants with scanning and submitting documents, as well as navigating the entire application process. Applicants must first make an appointment by calling 213-620-4646.
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/immigration/covid-19-drai
Assembly Member Miguel Santiago is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance and the Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Los Angeles County Homelessness. He also sits on the Assembly Committees on Public Safety, Health, Higher Education and Utilities and Energy. He represents the 53rd District composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Huntington Park, and Vernon.