Living on Your Own

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Can you get an apartment if you don't have a job?

Yes, as long as you have proof of income. And that income is high enough. They also do credit checks to see if your credit score is high enough.

Most landlords want proof that your income (disability, etc) is 3x the rent. So if you're looking at an $800 apt, they want you to prove $2400 of monthly income. If you don't have a job, they take proof of income such as taxes or bank statements for the last few months or a couple years. If you're on permanent disability, the landlord may allow you to rent with only 2x the rent ($1600 for an $800 apt).

If you have a housing (section 8 or such) voucher, that may also limit your options. (Altho, you're in Cali, so landlords may have to take vouchers. In my state, many landlords won't accept them besides very large apt complexes. Too many extra rules & too difficult to evict bad tenants.)

I have money in a trust fund, it won't last, I'm getting more money, I don't know when, I'm getting my mom's Social Security, I don't know how much, my sister told me I might get back pay, if I do, I will get money for 12 years. I have SSI now. I'm living in a group home I have a high credit score, my credit is 799

With whatever money you're able to pull in a month, usually you're supposed to have enough so that only 1/3rd or 33% of it goes towards rent. In other words for example if you're pulling in $1500 per month, your rent should be no more than $500 to $550 per month. But the only way to find out for sure is to apply. They usually want a 6 month lease. And a one time cleaning deposit which is usually the same amount as the rent. Then you also have to have utilities set up. Although some small places like mine include utilities in the rent.