Can I get Public Assistance as an immigrant?

How do I know if I am a qualified immigrant and can get cash assistance?

You may be able to receive cash assistance if you are a qualified immigrant and you comply with the following requirements:

• You are a permanent resident
• You entered the United States as a refugee or have been given asylum in this country
• You are an Amerasian immigrant
• You are married to a citizen or permanent resident who is abusing you, and you have applied for permanent resident status under the Violence Against Women Act
• You were given status as a Cuban or Haitian entrant
• Your deportation was withheld after a hearing
• You were paroled into the U.S. for at least a year
• You are a conditional entrant

Important:  The documents you have from INS may help to show your immigration status. If you are not sure what your status is call (212) 440-4300 to find the closest Legal Aid Society's Immigration Outreach Site.

When do qualified immigrants become eligible for Public Assistance?

Qualified immigrants can get some kinds of cash assistance without any special waiting period.

What kind of cash assistance can qualified immigrants get?

Two kinds of cash assistance: Safety Net Assistance and Family Assistance.  Both give you the same amount of money.  Cash assistance is paid twice for a month for food, clothing and housing.  The amount of money you get depends on how many people are in your home and what your income is.

What are the requirements for receiving cash assistance?

The type of cash assistance you receive depends on when you came to the U.S.

• Safety Net Assistance:  You can get Safety Net Assistance no matter when you came to the U.S.
• Family Assistance:  You can get Family Assistance if you came to the U.S. before August 22, 1996, and you have lived in this country since then.  If you came to the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, you have to wait five years before you can get Family Assistance.  There is no waiting period to get Family Assistance if you are a permanent resident.  There is also no waiting period to get Family Assistance if you are the husband, wife or unmarried child of a permanent resident who is in the military or was honorably discharged.

How can I get more information about Public Assistance?

For more information on the following questions, please read The Legal Aid Society's "Guide for Immigrant Rights to Public Assistance" by clicking here:

• Are there time limits on how long qualified immigrants can get cash assistance?
• I am not a qualified immigrant. Can I still get cash assistance?
• My children are citizens, but I am undocumented.  Can I get cash assistance?
• Will I be reported to INS if I apply for welfare?
• I am applying for permanent residence or U.S. citizenship.  If I get welfare, will it hurt my INS application?
• My sponsor will not support me.  Can I get cash assistance?
• Will my sponsor get in trouble if I get cash assistance?
• Can I get Food Stamps if I am not a citizen?
• Can I get Medicaid if I am not a citizen or a qualified immigrant?
• Can I get benefits if I am pregnant?
• What if my child cannot get Medicaid?