Federal Benefits for Immigrants

Am I eligible for federal assistance programs as an immigrant?

This can be a yes and no answer. In 1996, Congress passed legislation that severely restricted an immigrant's access to federal benefit programs. It shifted most of this responsibility to the states. Be sure to contact your local state benefits office to see if you qualify under your state's rules.

The current state of federal program availability is mixed. You may qualify for Emergency and regular Medicaid, Medicare Part A, Food Stamps, State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and others. There are many restrictions on each of these programs, so it is best to check with your local government office. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) also has comprehensive information about immigrant and federal benefits. You can contact the NILC at their national headquarters in Los Angeles at 213.639.3900 or online.