Recent California legislation authorized the Golden State Grant Program, a one-time supplemental SSP payment in the amount of $600 to SSI/SSP recipients to provide relief from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments in the amount of $600 will be automatically mailed out based on zip code.

Providers of services for low income and unsheltered person should advise your clients to join the SSI or CAPI program, if eligible, in order to receive this state payment.

 The SSI Program is a federally funded program which provides income support to eligible individuals who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. SSI benefits are also available to qualified blind or disabled children. The SSP Program is the state program which augments SSI. Both SSI and SSP benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for both programs is determined by SSA using federal criteria. If an eligible individual qualifies for SSI, they qualify for SSP. The benefits are in the form of cash assistance.

CAPI is a 100 percent state-funded program designed to provide monthly cash benefits to aged, blind, and disabled non-citizens who are ineligible for SSI/SSP solely due to their immigrant status. The welfare reform act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) eliminated Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP) eligibility for most non-citizens. As a result, most immigrants who were not receiving SSI/SSP in August 1996 are no longer eligible for SSI/SSP.

For questions: 1 (866) 312-3100

St. Michael’s is holding our 4^th annual diaper drive, centered around Mother’s Day, to benefit River City Food Bank at St. Matthew’s.  Last year’s COVID-19 pandemic meant that we were only able to collect checks from our parishioners rather than actual boxes, but it became our most successful drive, and we were able to donate approximately $10,000 to be used for diapers.  This year River City is willing to accept checks, as well as boxes of diapers in larger sizes (3-5.) As you may know, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase diapers. Any amount of funds or diapers collected will be most appreciated by RCFB, as families who come there are always in need of diapers and very grateful to receive them.

The 2021 St. Michael’s drive Is running until June 6. What has worked for us is asking those in our parish who wish to contribute, to write a check to St. Michael’s adding “Diaper Drive” on the memo line or to bring in boxes of diapers.  We found Amazon (search for bulk diapers) usually has the best prices.  After June 6, our bookkeeper will total the contributions and write one check to River City Food Bank/ Diapers for the amount and deliver any diapers collected. 

If you decide to participate, please send an email to: deaconcindy@stmichaelscarmichael.org to let us know so that we may recognize your participation in our weekly newsletter.

Thank you,

Dancy Dobrenick and The Rev. Cindy Long

The Rev. Cindy Long
Deacon for Pastoral Care and Outreach
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
2140 Mission Ave
Carmichael, CA 95608