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Immigrants

Immigrants and Public Benefits

 

Note: families with children who are new arrivals- NEW Family Welcome Center is available during hours when Emergency Assistance/Family Shelter hours/offices are closed; can help access resources including family shelter when eligible.

Sections:

 

Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (SSI, SSDI, SNAP, Medicare, etc.)

    • Immigrant Access to Benefits: The Basics - Staff Meeting PowerPoint Presentation 7/16
    • Reference GRIDs
      • FEDERAL programs (includes health care, Sec 8): Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs - National Immigration Law Center (NILC, 10/22)
      • MASSACHUSETTS Food and Cash assistance - SNAP, EAEDC, TAFDC: MA Cash and SNAP Eligibility Chart By Immigration Status - MLRI and GBLS, 10/22
      • SSDI- see under SSDI
      • MassHealth and the Connector (2/22)
      • Decoding Immigration documents - Chart identifying the codes on immigrant documents
      • Special populations:
        • Cuban/Haitian Entrants - a designation given to some, but not all entrants from these countries; if meet definition are "Qualified Immigrants". Note pending asylum application may qualify.
          • Certain recent Haitian immigrants may be eligible for benefits. There is a special immigration category “Cuban/Haitian immigrants” that applies to many, but perhaps not all, recent Haitian entrants. This category confers benefits eligibility with no 5-year bar. Benefits eligibility for this group is in the same category as those with refugee status or whom have been granted asylum. These benefits eligibility rules for Cuban/Haitian immigrants differ from those for other immigrant groups. 
          • To qualify, Haitian immigrants must have been processed by USCIS (but not all who have been processed by USCIS will qualify). Some common statuses that many recent Haitian immigrants are presenting with would qualify if otherwise eligible: 
            • parole (a type of humanitarian release into the country; unrelated to the more familiar parole from prison) 
            • in removal proceedings, but don’t yet have a final order of deportation 
            • pending asylum application 
          • As noted, not every Haitian who has been processed by USCIS qualifies as a Cuban-Haitian Entrant. For example, unfortunately, folks granted TPS are not considered Cuban-Haitian Entrants on that basis alone (though they could be if they also have an asylum application pending). 
          • This is not a complete list. Others may qualify; consult legal service with questions. 
          • Benefits 
            • Haitian entrants with these statuses, unlike other immigrant groups with the same status, are benefits eligible – meaning that if otherwise eligible they would qualify for full MassHealth, TAFDC and SNAP. Those without children, who therefore do not qualify for TAFDC, may qualify for refugee cash assistance for up to 8 months after receiving this status. (Note the 8 month clock starts with becoming a Cuban/Haitian immigrant; those who apply for refugee cash assistance later will only qualify for any remaining months’ worth of benefits.) The Mass Office for Refugees & Immigrants administers refugee cash assistance. They contract out direct services, but can direct you to the local refugee provider - call 617-727-7888. 
            • Advocacy tip: also consider EAEDC for single adults with a disability. We know that many folks have been through trauma, so may qualify. 
            • DTA has instructed staff to consult with central office before denying Haitian immigrant’s applications; if applicants are denied please refer them to legal services. For those living in the GBLS service area, advocates can fax or email a completed referral form to the GBLS Welfare Law Unit. 
            • Source:  Based on presentation by Naomi Meyer, Senior Attorney, GBLS, SNAP Coalition meeting, October 26, 2021. (See newsletter article)
          • Cuban/Haitian entrants' health care access
          • Reference materials/handouts
            • FAQ in English and in Haitian Creole - MLRI/GBLS
            • The US Dept of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement - Fact sheets (for translations use "Select Language" button at top)
            • A 54 minute video recording of the MLRI/GBLS 6/6/23 training on basic cash and food benefits for Haitian entrants.  
        • Afghan Evacuees (2021)
          • Through a stopgap funding bill that President Biden recently signed into law (10/21), Congress made Afghan evacuees eligible for traditional refugee benefits, like Medicaid and direct assistance to purchase basic necessities like food and housing. Under this new development, Afghan evacuees in Massachusetts who have been granted Humanitarian Parole are eligible for full MassHealth, SNAP and TAFDC, if otherwise eligible, without being subject to the 5 year bar. Under the new rules, those who are not categorically eligible for TAFDC (e.g., not pregnant and no children) may qualify for refugee cash assistance for 8 months. More information.
          • Newly Arriving Afghans Health Coverage (9-21) helps explain the immigration statuses of Humanitarian Parolees, Refugees and Lawful Permanent Residents with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and SIV Parolees and describes the documents they may have for status verification. It also describes the coverage types that may be available to these individuals and families after they apply.
          • Afghans can apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). On March 16, 2022 the Department of Homeland Security announced the designation of Afghanistan for temporary protected status for 18 months. Only individuals who were residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible.
            • Those who have arrived so far came through humanitarian parole, which the federal government offered as an option to avoid the many years it takes for refugees to be vetted for U.S. arrival. That allowed two years of legal status, and then parolees must apply for another kind of visa or legal status before it ends.
            • That means applying for a visa through an employer, family, or try to apply for asylum — or, now, temporary protected status. They can apply for asylum and TPS at the same time.
            • TPS lasts for two years and can be extended by the federal government, which has happened for Haitians and other nationalities many times.
            • There’s also an effort among immigration advocates to get Afghan evacuees permanent resident green cards, through the Afghan Adjustment Act. Advocates are concerned that the short-term solution of designating TPS for Afghan evacuees will dissipate their efforts to secure a more permanent solution. Temporary protected status is exactly that: temporary, and doesn’t lead to a green card.
            • See the full GBH News story (3/22)
        • Ukrainian Evacuees
          • Ukrainian Evacuees Should be Benefits Eligible -Under the United for Ukrainians emergency package, Section 401 of the legislation allows Ukrainians granted humanitarian parole to qualify for federal benefits the same as refugees and asylees. That means these Ukrainian parolees will now qualify for SNAP, TAFDC, SSI, LIHEAP and other federal public benefits with no 5 year waiting period and regardless of length of parole status.
            • Ukrainian individuals as well as other non-Ukrainian individuals displaced from Ukraine are eligible for SNAP if they are a:
              • Citizen or national of Ukraine who the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023, due to urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit, known as Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs);
              • Non-Ukrainian individual who last habitually resided in Ukraine, who DHS has paroled into the United States between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2023, due to urgent humanitarian reasons or for significant public benefit;
              • Spouse or child of a UHP who is paroled into the United States after September 30, 2023; or
              • Parent, legal guardian, or primary caregiver of an unaccompanied refugee minor or an unaccompanied UHP child who is paroled into the United States after September 30, 2023.
            • Many of these evacuees had originally been granted parole for 364 days- one day short of the minimum 365 day parole otherwise required for benefits eligibility. Please make sure DTA is aware of any Ukrainian families who previously applied for SNAP or cash benefits so they can get an application filed moving forward. There are a couple hundred Ukrainian parolees who will benefit from this law in Western Mass alone.  Here's MLRI's media statement.
          • Cash assistance: EAEDC - some of the Ukrainian parolees may also be eligible for EAEDC cash benefits through DTA if they are age 65+, disabled or possibly meet other criteria.
          • Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program and WIC do not have immigration status requirements. For kids in schools that are not "community eligiblity schools" applying for school lunch can ensure access to summer P-EBT as well.
          • Healthcare Coverage
          • Temporary Protected Status Designation for Ukraine Immigrants - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS. Extension and Redesignation of Ukraine for TPS and New Resource Eligibility - MGH Community News, August 2023 - extension and redesignation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months from Oct. 20, 2023, through April 19, 2025. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through April 19, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period.
            • SNAP eligibility - Ukrainian nationals (citizens) admitted to the U.S. as humanitarian parolees (UHPs) and other non-Ukrainian individuals displaced from Ukraine are eligible for SNAP benefits. An individual with only TPS and no underlying humanitarian parole is not eligible for SNAP benefits and services. If a client provides TPS documentation only, staff must explore if the individual previously met a qualifying status and request documentation to verify eligibility for SNAP benefits.
            • Masshealth for those with TPS- those with TPS will be considered Immigrant Lawfully Present (ILP) for MassHealth eligibility. Individuals who have filed an application for TPS, and who have been granted employment authorization will also be considered ILP for MassHealth. Learn more: Healthcare Coverage (MLRI) and https://www.masshealthmtf.org/news/temporary-protected-status-designation-ukraine-immigrants
        • DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) - PROPOSED changes, if ultimately enacted, would allow DACA immigrants to qualify for health insurance through Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces (e.g., the HealthConnector in MA). (4/23 More information)
        • Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens living in the U.S. - Pacific Islanders from the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia
          • The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, signed into law by President Biden on March 9, 2024 COFA citizens living in the U.S. to the list of noncitizens eligible to receive federal public benefits. Congress also waived the five-year bar so eligible COFA citizens can apply for federal benefits as soon as they enter the U.S. This will allow COFA citizens to apply for programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps); Temporary Assistance of Needy Families (TANF or TAFDC in MA); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); and FEMA Individual and Household Programs.
          • Congress previously restored Medicaid eligibility in 2020.
          • The funding package also included text of the Care for COFA Veterans Act - the legislation removes restrictions on the VA from providing services to veterans residing in the Freely Associated States or FAS, including by permitting contracts with community health centers and other community clinics, and establishing clinic options via telehealth. It would also allow VA to ship medications to veterans in the FAS and reimburse veterans for travel from their home countries to the U.S. for care connected to the military service.
          • See the full AAPCHO statement.

    • Additional Detail
      • SNAP- Legal Immigrants and the 5 Year Waiting Period (note: only applicable for SNAP benefits) (Massachusetts) - MLRI, 3/16
        • Excerpts: Exceptions to the 5 year bar include immigrant children under 18; Disabled immigrants receiving a disability-based benefit such as EAEDC, MassHealth as disabled or TAFDC disabled (disability as stringent as SSI standard and special rules for elders on EAEDC); Born before 8/22/31 and was lawfully residing in
          US on 8/22/96; Veteran or active duty, or spouse/child of U.S. veteran OR LPRs with 40 quarters of countable work history

      • SSI clarifications (See below for SSDI info) (from POMS Section: SI 00502.135 with additional material):
        • Refugees, Asylees, persons granted withholding of deportation, Victims of trafficking and their derivative beneficiaries can qualify for first 7 years of receiving that status

          • OR
        • Other Qualified (LPRs and some others) - If entered after 8/22/96 must have 40 quarters work credit AND meet 5 year bar (with some exceptions including certain Cuban or Haitian entrants, Amerasians, active duty military or veteran or dependents, certain Native Americans; see POMS)
          • NOTE: it is important to ask LPRs if they converted to LPR from another status. If they were refugees/asylees they are not subject to the 5 year bar or 40 quarters rule for first 7 years (see above). For refugees/asylees beyond the first 7 years, they would need to be eligible based on another pathway (5 years + 40Q, or Veteran/active duty and dependents, present before 8/22/96, etc.)
          • 5 Year Bar and 40 Quarters Advocacy tips:
            • 5 year bar, when applicable (as in not asylee, refugee etc)., is counted from date of entry with qualified status or of receiving qualified status.

              • AND
            • 40 quarters work history- may be able to share a parent's or spouse's quarters. (See POMS SI 00502.135(B) -see 2. Qualifying Quarters, sub sections c. QQs From a Parent and d.QQs from a Spouse). (Must wait until 5 years from date of entry with qualified status or of receiving qualified status before applying)
              • A Parent(s) credits may be credited to the parent, the parent's spouse, and to one or more children. EXAMPLE: An LAPR alien couple and their two LAPR alien children (one age 12 and the other age 23) all apply for SSI. Each member of the couple has earned 20 QQs for work done more than 5 years earlier, before the older child turned age 18. All four LAPR aliens meet the 40 QQs eligibility category based on the couple's combined 40 QQs. [A child can count parent's quarters that were earned before the child turned 18- even before the child was born.]
              • A Spouse's credits- Credits earned by a current spouse and/or one or more deceased spouses during marriage to the LAPR alien can be credited. QQs belonging to members of an eligible couple may be credited to both members of the eligible couple. EXAMPLE: An LAPR alien's current spouse has earned 20 QQs since married to the LAPR alien, and the LAPR alien's former spouse who died while married to the LAPR alien earned over 20 QQs during the marriage. The LAPR alien can be credited with the QQs from both spouses and therefore qualify based on this provision.
              • HOWEVER Since 12/31/96 Credits DO NOT Count for any quarters in which one was receiving or eligible for a federal means-tested benefits. "QQs cannot be credited for any quarter beginning after 12/31/96, if in the quarter the LAPR alien or the worker (the LAPR alien, his/her parent(s) and/or spouse(s)) received a Federal means-tested public benefit. Beginning after 12/31/96, an individual “receives” a Federal means-tested public benefit in a calendar quarter if in that quarter the individual is eligible for SSI, TANF, and/or Medicaid, and/or certified to receive food stamps."
              • (Note: work in certain foreign countries does not count towards SSI eligibility; work in certain foreign countries is only counted for SNAP eligibility.)

      • For SSDI must be "lawfully present"- an alien who has been inspected and admitted to the United States and who has not violated that status. Includes:  legal permanent resident aliens ("LPR" or "green card" holders), refugees, asylees, certain immigration parolees, certain conditional entrants, those with temporary protected status, certain Cuban/Haitian entrants, Family Unity beneficiaries, deferred enforced departure status, and applicants for asylum. No 5-year bar. (Still need to meet regular duration of work and recent work requirements.)
    • Social Security: Supplemental Security Income for Non citizens (SSI) - Social Security Administration

    • Questions to Ask When Assessing Public Benefits Eligibility for Non-Citizens (internal document- not to be distributed) - August 2010

      • See also: Public Benefits: Cash Assistance for more detail about each program

       

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    Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA): TAFDC, EAEDC, SNAP (formerly Food Stamps)

    Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) staff do not report undocumented immigrants to the immigration authorities unless the immigrant shows them "final orders for deportation" and even then, reporting is NOT automatic. MIRA staff report that they are not aware of any cases where someone has been turned in by DTA staff.

    DTA's food stamp regulations clarify what is explained above and DTA Central agrees that the same reporting policy applies to TAFDC, EAEDC and EA (Family Shelter). Therefore DTA should only report non-citizens who provide documentation that they are under a final order of deportation or some other official determination that they are in unlawful status. Lack of status is not the same. (From Down & Out, shelter manual 2006)

    When asked for a social security number, applicants need only say that they are not applying for themselves and then just give the appropriate information for the family members for whom they are applying. They do need to report their income and share other required information.

    The above information is available in a DTA brochure What Non-Citizens Need to Know - available in English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Khmer, Russian and Vietnamese. 

     

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    Public Charge

    As of March 2021 USCIS is no longer applying the Trump Administration (August 2019/Februrary 2020) Public Charge Final Rule. USCIS will apply the public charge inadmissibility statute consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance (rules in effect prior to the Trump Administration changes). USCIS is no longer considering an applicant's receipt of Medicaid (except for long-term institutionalization at the government's expense), public housing, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination.​  More information, here.

    On September 8, 2022, the Biden Administration published a new federal regulation defining the meaning of “public charge.” This new rule formalizes guidance currently in effect, and marks a strong move away from the wealth test enacted under the Trump administration which led to widespread fear among immigrants and deterred millions from receiving the assistance for which they qualified. The new public charge rule is scheduled to take effect on December 23, 2022. Again, this new rule formalizes guidance the Biden Administration issued in March 2021.

    The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in July 2021 issued an informational bulletin to states’ Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) agencies to remind them about their responsibilities to protect the rights of Medicaid applicants and their families. States are prohibited from sharing a Medicaid applicant’s or beneficiary’s information for reasons outside of administering the state’s Medicaid plan, such as determining eligibility or providing services. States also have an obligation to keep applicant information safeguarded and protected, and they are generally prohibited from sharing applicant information with the Department of Homeland Security/ICE. See the full Informational Bulletin: https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib072221.pdf.

    (In late April 2021 the United States Supreme Court has denied a request from Republican state attorneys general seeking to restore the Trump public charge regulations. The motion was filed by the attorneys general of Texas and 13 other states. As a result of the motion being denied, the Biden administration’s March 2021 reversal of the Trump policy remains in effect. (SCOTUS Update: Trump Public Charge Policy Remains Blocked!, Eddie Carmona, NILC, April 29, 2021.)

    See the MGB Public Charge Rule SharePoint site.

    Handouts for advocates and patients/families available in multiple languages: https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/know-your-rights/

     

    Public Charge Rules

    Public Charge describes persons the immigration service believes will become primarily dependent on public benefits. Depending on your immigration status, the USCIS and State Department consular officers abroad can refuse to let you enter the U.S., re-enter the U.S., or become a permanent resident, if they think you will not be able to support yourself without these benefits in the future.

    Public charge is concerned with receipt of cash assistance (receipt of SSI, TANF/TAFDC or EAEDC) or whether you will require long-term care at public expense.

    Benefits received by family members never count! Family members, including spouses and children, who receive cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term nursing home care at government expense will not impact your public charge analysis. (Source: https://miracoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Massachusetts-Safe-to-Use-Benefits-October-2022.pdf)

    Public charge is NOT a concern for:

      • Immigrants receiving non-cash benefits such as health care (except for Medicaid for long-term care), SNAP, WIC, housing, fuel assistance, child care vouchers, Emergency Disaster relief, etc.
      • Immigrants who are applying to become citizens* (generally public charge is only a concern for those who do not yet have Legal Permanent Resident/Green Card status).
      • Refugees or persons granted asylum
      • Immigrants receiving cash payments that have been earned, such as Title II Social Security benefits (SSDI, retirement, survivor's benefits), government pensions, veterans' benefits and unemployment compensation. (Reference for this bullet: Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 101 /Wednesday, March 26, 1999 see end of 6B - once again in effect after reversal of Trump Admin changes)
      • Other green card applicants where public charge does not apply
        • Including Registry, Suspension & Cancellation of Removal, Special Immigrant Juveniles, and in special adjustment of status cases (HRIFA, NACARA, Cuban Adjustment Act, Lautenberg, battered spouses/children of USCs/LPRs, U and T visa beneficiaries)
      • Safe Benefits List for MA (10/22)

    *There is one scenario when those who already have LPR/Green card status should be cautious - if they receive cash benefits AND travel outside the US for more than 180 days (about 6 months). (Exceptions to 180 allowance include, not a complete list, those who have committed some crimes or have "abandoned" their LPR status. ) For more information see Public Charge - When is it safe to use public benefits? - Guidance from INS distributed by National Immigration Law Center, April 2001

    Removal Based on Public Charge is very rare. Requires receipt of cash benefits or institutionalization within 5 years of entry for causes that existed before admission. Government must

    1. Have legal right to repayment
    2. Demand repayment
    3. Get judgment or order and fail to collect

    Affidavits of Support (Immigrants with Sponsors)

    Affidavits of support are required for most family-based permanent resident cases to which public charge admission rule applies.The sponsoring relative must sign and agree to support the immigrant at 125% FPL without receipt of means-tested benefit (joint co-sponsors allowed if income is too low to sponsor individually). A sponsor's affidavit is legally binding until the immigrant naturalizes OR can be credited with 40 quarters of work (can be from a spouse or a parent from before child turned 18) OR loses LPR status and departs.

    Immigrants who have a sponsor may be concerned about applying for benefits and whether their sponsor may be liable to repay any benefits they receive.

    In these cases we'd strongly recommend the immigrant/family consult with a legal services attorney familiar with immigrant access to benefits issues (even if they already have an immigration attorney). Patients may not think it is worthwhile to do so as they feel confident that they cannot apply for benefits - so the following may be used as background to encourage them to seek competent legal advice.

    Pat Baker from Mass Law Reform Institute responds to CRC inquery about accessing benefits for immigrants with sponsors who have signed an affidavit of support (4/23):

      1. DTA does not enforce any affidavits of support against sponsors and we have never heard of a case where they have pursued a sponsor for recovery of benefits (I would distinguish that from child support obligations of a non-custodial parent who can be liable for repayment for TAFDC for benefits paid to a child- US citizen or eligible immigrant). 
      2. In general, the immigrants who actually qualify for SNAP and TAFDC cash assistance either already have their LPR status; are refugees or asylees, Cuban Haitian entrants etc (do not have sponsors), are VAWA petitioners etc - or they are simply not eligible for SNAP or TANF for themselves (they may get benefits for US citizen dependents, for whom sponsors are not liable).
      3. It is true that a broader group of immigrants do qualify for EAEDC cash assistance - currently limited to immigrants who are either elderly or disabled. Some are "under color of law" and others are LPRs who are simply ineligible for SSI due to the restrictive SSI rules or are refugees, asylees etc who have timed out of the SSI 7 year benefits. We have never seen MA pursue any sponsors for payment of EAEDC cash assistance, not a single case.

    It's impossible to say definitively that at no point in the future will any state pursue a sponsor for benefits paid to an immigrant. So I can only tell you what we know right now, and for the past 30+ years I have been working on these issues. I should also note, the above is not legal advice. 

    Bottom line, the choice vulnerable immigrants need to make (if they are not getting help from their sponsors) is how they survive if they do not get basic assistance from DTA and weighing that with the very unlikely scenario their sponsors will be pursued for support.

    Again note, we strongly advise immigrants in this situation to consult legal services for individualized advice, but this can be helpful context for them to understand that it may be worth their time to do so.

     

    Handouts and For More Information see:

     

    ARCHIVE

    Trump Administration changes - below information is NO LONGER IN EFFECT

    Effective date (everywhere in the US): February 24, 2020 to March 2021. The final rule applied only to applications and petitions postmarked (or submitted electronically) on or after Feb. 24, 2020 and only considered federal Medicaid, SNAP or federal housing benefits, etc. received after Feb. 24, 2020.

    Public Charge Training PowerPoint (Community Resource Center, 2/13/20 - rev 2/26/20)

    Key messages PRIOR to MARCH 2021

    • Effective February 24, 2020 to March 2021.
      • The new rule applies only to people whose green card application is filed (postmarked or submitted electronically) on or after February 24, 2020.
      • The rule does NOT consider any newly listed benefits that are used before February 24, 2020. Benefits that were previously excluded from the public charge test (such as Medicaid and SNAP) will only be considered if they are received after the effective date.
    • Many immigrants have status that is exempt from the public charge rules. Most immigrants who are applying for a green card are not eligible for the benefits listed in the rule.
      • Exempt immigrants include: refugees; asylees; survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, or other serious crimes (T or U visa applicants/holders); VAWA self-petitioners; special immigrant juveniles; and certain people paroled into the U.S. Benefits received when people are in one of these statuses will not be counted against them.
      • Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are only subject to a public charge test if they leave the country for more than six months; they are not subject to a public charge test when applying for citizenship; they are not subject to a public charge test to renew a green card
    • This public charge test does NOT consider benefits used by family members (with the possible exception of cash assistance that is your family’s primary source of income).
    • New benefits counted in the public charge test are receipt of SNAP, federal public housing and section 8, Medicaid (except for emergency services, children under 21 years, pregnant women, and new mothers) and cash assistance programs (like SSI, TANF, General Assistance).
      • Services that are not listed above should not be counted in the new public charge test. This includes WIC, school lunches, food banks, shelters, and more; these programs are safe to get if you are eligible.
    • Note: different rules already apply to those applying for a green card or visa from OUTSIDE the US.

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Health Care Coverage

See: Basic Needs-Health Care Coverage-Immigrants

Key resource: Understanding the Affordable Care Act in MA: Eligibility of non-citizens for MassHealth & other subsidized health benefits (10/15)

Health Reform and Immigrants - Newsletter article and link to the fact sheet to help staff assist immigrant patients to understand coverage options and the individual mandate requirements under Massachusetts' Health Care Reform. Note disclaimer in newsletter article.

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Other Resources


  Patient Handouts from the CRC