Immigration and Benefits FAQ

Last updated February 19, 2026

Immigration status and public benefits

Many families with immigrants are eligible for some public benefits, but may have questions about how applying might affect their immigration status. This page includes up-to-date information about public benefits and immigration to help you and your family make informed decisions.

As of February 19, 2026, the public charge rules adopted in 2022 are still in effect and no changes have been made (see below to learn more). This website will be updated regularly through 2026 if there are any changes around public charge.

Latest update:

  • On November 19, 2025, the federal government proposed changes to the public charge rules, however these changes are not final and have not taken effect. The information below is still the most up to date.

To get more help:

For most programs on the Benefits Explorer Tool:

You can apply to these programs if at least one family or household member is eligible.

The following programs do not ask for your immigration information:

  • WIC
  • Utilities discounts (CARE/FERA)
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • CalKIDS
  • Metro LIFE
  • LifeLine

Specific for CalFresh (SNAP):

Only US citizens, legal residents, or people with a qualified immigration status are eligible for CalFresh. Undocumented individuals are not eligible, but can apply on behalf of US-born children or other qualified household members. This is common for many families.

In the application, each household member will be asked about their Social Security Number (SSN) and citizenship status, but this information is only needed for the eligible individual.

You do not need to provide immigration status or Social Security numbers for non-applicant household members.

For more up to date information, visit Keep Your Benefits.

No. The programs included here will not affect the immigration status or chance of getting legal permanent residency (green card) for other family or household members.

You or your family can apply to these programs if you qualify.

Cash programs (SSI, CalWorks, General Relief) are still considered in public charge determinations and can affect individuals applying for legal permanent residency (green card). However, most immigrants do not qualify for these benefits, and these programs are not included in the Benefits Explorer Tool.

Many families have heard the term "public charge". Here's what you need to know.

  • When someone applies for a green card or visa, immigration officials can deny the application for different reasons. One reason for denial may be that the person is likely to depend too much on public benefits in the future. This is called the “Public Charge Rule” or “Public Charge Test”.
  • The immigration officer will consider the person's age, income, health, education or skills, family situation or sponsor, and use of specific kinds of public benefits.
  • Using public benefits will not automatically make someone fail the public charge test.
  • The use of public benefits by other family members, such as children or relatives,will not affect your ability to get a green card or become a citizen.

Current Public Charge Rule (Effective December 23, 2022)

You can use these programs to help your family save money and stay healthy.

  • CalFresh* (SNAP)
  • Medi-Cal (except for long-term care in a nursing home)
  • WIC
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • Transportation and utilities discounts
  • Section 8 and public housing
  • And more

These programs considered in the public charge test. Most immigrants do not qualify for these benefits and they are not included in the Benefits Explorer Tool.

  • Cash assistance, supplemental Security Income (SSI), CalWorks (TANF), General Relief
  • Medi-Cal for long-term, medical care in an institution, like a nursing home or psychiatric hospital

*The CalFresh application is on the BenefitsCal.org website which includes applications for Medi-Cal, CalWORKS (TANF), General Assistance or General Relief (GA/GR), and other programs.

Important: Cash programs, such as CalWORKS (TANF) and General Relief (GA/GR) are still considered in the public charge rule, but most immigrants don't qualify for these benefits.