If you are an immigrant, you may qualify for various public assistance benefits based on your immigration status:

  • Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, and other qualified immigrants can be eligible for cash assistance programs such as Safety Net Assistance and Family Assistance.
  • Qualified immigrants who arrived before August 22, 1996 can immediately access Family Assistance, while those who arrived after that date may need to wait for five years. Safety Net Assistance is available to qualified immigrants regardless of entry date.
  • Qualified immigrants and PRUCOL individuals can receive Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage.
  • Emergency Medicaid is available to anyone in need of emergency medical treatment, regardless of immigration status.
  • Pregnant individuals, regardless of their immigration status, can access Prenatal Medicaid.
  • Some immigrants may qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps.

To determine if you qualify for public assistance, you should review your immigration status and match it with the eligibility criteria provided by the relevant agencies. It is important to consult with the Department of Social Services to confirm eligibility and understand the specific requirements for each benefit program.

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Last Reviewed: July 6, 2023