General Benefits Assistance

The project provides advocacy for people who are vulnerable. Services are targeted, but not restricted, to people who are at-risk for homelessness, parolees, homeless veterans, or people who have mental or physical disabilities. Welfare rights assistance is provided to help people obtain or keep welfare benefits. There are no geographic restrictions.

The Benefits Assistance Clients' Urban Project (BACUP) provides certificates/forms assistance and support and employment services for SSI and SSDI clients and advocacy for homeless veterans who are in need of SSI or SSDI benefits assistance.

Central Mental Health forensic services provides benefits assistance for parolees referred by probation or by the courts. Advocacy services also include job and housing search assistance. The Countywide Benefits Entitlement Services Team CBEST program provides benefits advocates that assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Cash Assistance program for Immigrants (CAPI) and Veteran's Benefits (VA). Individuals who are blind, disabled, age 65 and over, and/or veterans can apply for this program.