DHS Probes California Program Linked to Social Security Benefits

DHS Initiates Investigation into California’s Migrant Assistance Program and Social Security Benefits

The Department of Homeland Security has commenced a formal investigation into California’s Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), citing concerns that the state-funded program has provided Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to unauthorized immigrants. DHS officials assert that these individuals are not legally entitled to such Social Security benefits under federal regulations, raising questions about eligibility requirements for Social Security programs.

In a significant enforcement action, DHS has issued a subpoena to CAPI’s Los Angeles field office demanding comprehensive documentation of Social Security-related payments distributed to migrants since 2021. Under the direction of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the agency has emphasized its commitment to preventing taxpayer funds from being allocated to individuals without legal immigration status.

Secretary Noem stated unequivocally, “The Trump Administration is systematically identifying instances of public benefit misuse and ensuring that individuals residing in the country illegally do not receive federal benefits or financial incentives that encourage continued unauthorized residence.” Furthermore, she indicated that while the current investigation focuses specifically on Los Angeles County, it represents merely the initial phase of a broader enforcement initiative regarding Social Security benefits for immigrants.

CAPI Program Structure and Administration of SSI Benefits

CAPI functions as a wholly state-funded program designed to provide monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled noncitizens who are ineligible for federal Social Security and SSI benefits solely due to their immigration classification. The program effectively mirrors the federal Social Security benefit structure while operating under state jurisdiction.

According to official data, CAPI served 16,556 individuals during fiscal year 2024-2025. Currently:

• Approximately 9,700 Los Angeles County residents receive CAPI benefits
• Recipients average $1,077 monthly in assistance
• Los Angeles County received $108.5 million in state funding in 2024 to administer these benefits

A spokesperson for the California Department of Social Services has clarified that the program was established in 1988 under Republican Governor Pete Wilson’s administration as a state-level alternative to the federal SSI program. The spokesperson further emphasized that CAPI is not generally accessible to undocumented California residents seeking Social Security benefits.

Federal Policy Implementation for Social Security Eligibility

The DHS investigation follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive memorandum that explicitly prohibits immigrants who entered the country without authorization from receiving Social Security Administration benefits. This directive aims to:

• Eliminate potential incentives for illegal immigration
• Safeguard U.S. taxpayer resources
• Enforce eligibility requirements for Social Security benefits

The presidential memorandum specifically instructs DHS and other federal officials to implement measures ensuring that ineligible individuals do not access Social Security program funds. Additionally, it establishes enforcement priorities targeting states or municipalities that contravene provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act.

Eligibility Requirements and Economic Contributions to Social Security

Under the Welfare Reform Act of 1996, immigrants without lawful U.S. residency status became ineligible for Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, generally only noncitizens authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to work in the United States qualify for Social Security numbers.

DHS officials report that more than 2 million unauthorized immigrants received Social Security numbers in fiscal year 2024. However, economic analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy indicates that undocumented immigrants contributed $96.7 billion to federal, state, and local taxes in 2022. Furthermore, migrant employees with work authorization contributed:

• $25.7 billion in Social Security taxes
• $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes

These contributions occurred during the same period, despite most remaining ineligible for benefits from federal agencies like the Social Security Administration based on their immigration status.

The DHS subpoena specifically requests comprehensive documentation including applicant identification information, benefit application copies, immigration status verification, proof of SSI ineligibility, and supporting affidavits. This investigation represents a significant development in federal oversight of state-administered benefit programs for noncitizens seeking to check eligibility for Social Security benefits.