Immigrant benefits and refugee services
Are you having a hard time paying for basic living expenses? Public benefits and services from the U.S. government may help. Learn about options for immigrants and refugees and how to apply.
What are public benefits?
The U.S. government offers public benefits for essential services, including food, housing, healthcare, and education. Social service agencies provide these federal programs. They help:
- People who have low income
- People who are homeless
- People with disabilities
Most public benefits depend on your income and family size. They are meant to help you temporarily. The amount of support you get may go down or stop once you make more money.
Each state runs its own program so public benefits can vary from state to state. If you move, you will usually need to reapply for assistance in your new state.
| Refugees, asylees, and other immigrants may also qualify for additional services offered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). |
Who can get public benefits?
U.S. citizens and certain qualified immigrants are eligible for public benefits. Qualified immigrants include:
- Lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Refugees and asylees
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- Special immigrant visa holders
- Victims of human trafficking
- Humanitarian parolees
Eligibility also depends on state-specific requirements. Each state has its own rules. Some states provide public benefits like health insurance to all residents, regardless of immigration status.
Undocumented immigrants and others not listed generally do not qualify for most public benefits. However, they may receive help from local social service agencies and community programs.
| Your local social services agency can answer any questions you may have. Benefits.gov lists benefits by state. |
What are the types of public benefits?
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF (also called welfare) provides cash to families with low income. The program helps pay for food, housing, child care, and job training. You will get TANF benefits on a debit card, direct deposit, or paper checks depending on your state.
It is important to know that the amount of assistance you receive may be very different than someone in a different state. Each state has its own amounts based on household size and income.
How to apply: Contact your local TANF program for information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly payments to adults 65 or older who have retired and no longer work, or earn a limited amount each month. The monthly payment amount can vary based on your income, resources, and living situation.
Find SSI information in multiple languages.
How to apply: Fill out an online application. You can also call the SSI help line at 1-800-772-1213. You will get an appointment to complete your application.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI provides income for people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work for a year or more. Your monthly payment depends on your work history. You will also get health insurance coverage through Medicare.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance to older adults, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, and families with low incomes. Most immigrants must wait 5 years after receiving immigration status before applying for Medicaid. Refugees and asylees do not have to wait.
Emergency Medicaid pays for emergency services, including being in the hospital. Emergency Medicaid is available for immigrants who are not considered “qualified non-citizens” but meet all income and state residency rules. Undocumented immigrants can apply for Emergency Medicaid.
How to apply: Fill out an application with the Health Insurance Marketplace. You can also check your state Medicaid agency for eligibility information and how to apply.
Learn more about benefits for people with disabilities.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides free or low-cost health coverage for children and pregnant women. This is for families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. In some states, you must wait 5 years after getting immigration status before enrolling in CHIP.
How to apply: Fill out an application with the Health Insurance Marketplace. Find more information about the CHIP program in your state.
Medicare
Medicare provides free or low-cost health insurance for adults 65 or older and people with disabilities and serious illnesses.
How to apply: Fill out the online application for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare when you enroll in Social Security benefits or retire. Call the Medicare line at 1-800-633-4227 for help in your language.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP (food stamps) helps families with low income buy food using a card. You will get SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It works like a debit card.
Each month, you get a certain amount of money on your card. You can use the card to buy groceries in authorized stores. You must meet certain income and work requirements to be eligible for SNAP.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also meet at least 1 of the following to qualify:
- Live in the U.S. for 5+ years
- Get disability-related benefits
- Be under 18 years old
How to apply: Contact the SNAP office in your state for information on how to apply.
| If you do not qualify for SNAP or it does not cover your needs, food pantries provide free groceries and are generally open to anyone in need. |
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC helps pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 5 get food, nutrition counseling, and referrals to social services. You must meet certain income and health requirements to qualify.
How to apply: Contact your state or local WIC agency for details on how to apply.
Food assistance for older adults
Some states offer food assistance to adults 60 or older who have low incomes through the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program. These assistance programs include monthly packages of healthy food and coupons for groceries at farmers’ markets. Older adults may also be eligible for food assistance from SNAP.
How to apply: Contact the food and nutrition program in your state for information on how to apply.
Free or reduced school meals
Schools offer free or low-cost meals throughout the school year and during summer break. Your children may qualify based on your household income. If you get SNAP or TANF benefits, your children will automatically qualify for free school meals.
How to apply: Schools typically send applications home at the beginning of the school year. You can also ask your school’s office for an application at any time during the school year.
Public housing and vouchers
The U.S. government offers public or subsidized housing for families with low income, older adults, and people with disabilities. These apartments typically have reduced rent. You can also apply for vouchers to pay for part or all of your rent.
How to apply: Contact a public housing agency in your state for more information.
Find more information about housing for immigrants.
Help to pay utility bills
The LIHEAP program helps people with low incomes pay for home energy bills, such as gas and electricity.
How to apply: Contact the LIHEAP office in your state for more information.
The WAP program helps pay for home improvements that save money on energy bills.
How to apply: Contact the WAP office in your state for more information.
Lifeline helps people with low incomes pay for phone and internet service.
How to apply: Contact your phone or internet company to sign up for Lifeline service with them.
What is a public charge?
A public charge is someone who immigration officials believe will depend on the government for money and support. If you are considered a public charge, you may not be able to apply for immigration status.
Only 2 public benefits count toward public charge:
- Public cash assistance (including SSI and TANF)
- Long-term care (through Medicaid or other program)
Public charge does not apply to groups who are eligible for ORR services including refugees and asylees. Learn more about the public charge rule.
What are ORR benefits and services?
Short term benefits
ORR benefits and services help refugees, asylees, and other new immigrants pay for basic needs as they settle in the United States. State governments, local resettlement agencies, and community organizations provide these services. Find ORR information in multiple languages.
ORR benefits are available to these groups:
- Refugees and asylees
- Afghan and Ukrainian parolees
- Afghan and Iraqi SIV holders
- Cuban and Haitian entrants
- Victims of trafficking
- Survivors of torture
- Ameriasians
Short term benefits
Most ORR benefits and services are available for up to 12 months after you arrive in the USA.
How to apply: Sign up with your local refugee resettlement agency as soon as you get your status. If you are a refugee, you will be connected directly to a resettlement organization. They will help you enroll in these programs. Talk to your caseworker if you have any questions.
Short term benefits include:
Refugee cash assistance (RCA)
If you do not qualify for SSI or TANF, you can get up to 12 months of cash assistance. You can use RCA to help pay for food, housing, and transportation.
You can also get self-sufficiency planning and employment services through this program.
Matching grant (MG) program
You can choose to enroll in the MG program instead of RCA. MG provides cash assistance, family budget planning, case management, and employment services for up to 8 months (240 days).
The program also helps with housing, transportation, health, and English language training.
Refugee medical assistance (RMA)
If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can get up to 12 months of RMA. RMA provides the same free or low-cost health insurance as Medicaid. You can apply for medical insurance through the health insurance marketplace after RMA ends.
You can get a free medical screening exam at your local health department after arriving in the USA. It will include any needed vaccines. The medical provider will refer you to a primary care or specialist if you need further care.
Long term services
ORR offers additional programs that can help you after your first year here. These programs aim to support you to be more secure in your life in the USA. These services are available for up to 5 years.
Long-term services include:
Refugee Support Services
You can get support services for up to 5 years after arriving in the USA. These include help learning English, finding a job, and training. You can also get help with childcare, transportation, translation and interpreter services, and case management. You can also get health education and mental health support through this program.
Specialized programs
Some resettlement agencies and community organizations offer special programs such as financial savings, youth mentoring, services for older adults, and technical assistance for small business start-ups.
There are additional resources for certain groups. Learn more about benefits for Ukrainian parolees and Afghan arrivals.
Інформація, що міститься на цій сторінці, отримана з USA.gov, Office of Refugee Resettlement, та з інших надійних джерел. Ми прагнемо надавати зрозумілу та найбільш актуальну інформацію. Ця інформація не є юридичною порадою.
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