California Begins Distributing COVID-19 Aid to Illegal Immigrants

California officials started to distribute financial assistance on May 18 for illegal immigrants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each individual can receive $500 in direct assistance, if they qualify, with a maximum of $1,000 in assistance per household. A household is defined as persons who live and purchase and prepare meals together.

To qualify, people must provide proof that they are illegal immigrants. They must also show they’re not eligible for federal COVID-19-related assistance and have experienced hardship as a result of the pandemic, according to the state’s Department of Social Services.

Some 150,000 illegal immigrants are expected to receive financial assistance. If that projection holds, $75 million would be distributed.

People applied through various nonprofits to receive the funds. If approved, they’ll receive cards with the funds either through picking it up in person or by mail.