Public Charge Benefits

Currently, public charge does not affect you unless you go out of the U.S. for 6 months or more.

There is no public charge test to renew your green card or to apply for citizenship.

Select a status if you are applying for or have any status listed below.

These specific categories determine whether public charge applies.

How will public charge affect you?

More on public charge:

If a public charge test applies, only a few benefits that an applicant receives would count. It is safe to get CalFresh/SNAP and any Medi-Cal/Medicaid benefits until 10/15/2019 and many immigrants can continue to receive state-funded CalFresh and Medi-Cal after 10/15/19.

Only these benefits are currently considered for public charge for immigrants seeking a green card:

Cash Benefits

Long-term care paid by Medicaid, such as nursing homes

Federal SNAP / food stamps / CalFresh

Federal public housing / Section 8

Federally funded,* non-emergency Medi-Cal/Medicaid for adults 21 years and older

Use of certain benefits is only one factor. Immigration will also consider your health, age, education, skills, employment, current income and sponsor’s income when deciding if you will be a public charge.

As of October 15, 2019, these benefits will also be considered if used after October 15. Most immigrants facing a public charge test only qualify for state Medi-Cal

Federal SNAP/food stamps/CalFresh SNAP is a federal nutrition program that can be used to purchase food. SNAP benefits are given to you each month on an EBT plastic card.
Federal housing/Section 8 A program providing financial assistance for any housing that meets the requirements of the program.
Federally funded, non-emergency Medi-Cal/Medicaid for adults 21 years and older

Click HERE to contact the Legal Aid office.
Click HERE to check for further updates and information.
Click HERE to see a list of legal services programs.

Do you already have a green card?

Will you be applying for a family member to get their green card in the next 3 years?

Is the family member being interviewed in the U.S. or at a consulate abroad?

Select a status if you are applying for or have any status listed below.

Are you or a family member applying for a green card through a family member in the next three years?

Where do you or your family plan to apply for a green card or visa from?

How will public charge affect you?