Benefits for Immigrant Families: What Mixed-Status Households Can Get

Overview: What Benefits May Be Available

Families with mixed immigration statuses—where some members are citizens or permanent residents and others are not—can sometimes get government benefits. The rules are complex and differ by program and state. Apply anyway; the agency decides who qualifies.

The main programs that may help are:

• SNAP (food stamps) – monthly food benefits
• Medicaid – free or low-cost health coverage
• WIC – nutrition program for pregnant women, babies and young children
• CHIP – health coverage for children

SNAP (Food Stamps) and Mixed Immigration Status

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. Some states allow households where not everyone is a citizen or permanent resident to apply. Rules vary widely.

In some states, you can include non-citizen household members when you apply. In others, you may need to exclude them from the application. A few states don't allow certain immigrants to participate at all.

To find out what your state allows, check your state's SNAP rules or contact your local SNAP office. Applying is free, and only the agency decides who qualifies.

If your household qualifies, income and other rules apply:

• Gross monthly income limit (130% of poverty), 48 states & DC: 1 person $1,696; 2 people $2,292; 3 people $2,888; 4 people $3,483. (Different limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii.)
• Maximum monthly benefit, 48 states & DC: 1 person $298; 2 people $546; 3 people $785; 4 people $994. (Different amounts apply in Alaska and Hawaii.)

Use our SNAP calculator to estimate your benefit if you think you might qualify.

Medicaid and CHIP for Mixed-Status Families

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state. In states that expanded Medicaid, most adults aged 19–64 qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Some states allow non-citizens to enroll in Medicaid. Other states restrict it to citizens and permanent residents.

CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid. In some states, non-citizen children can apply for CHIP even if their parents cannot.

You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of year through your state agency or through HealthCare.gov, which sends your application to your state. Applying is free.

To find your state's rules on citizenship and immigration status, check your state Medicaid or CHIP website.

WIC for Pregnant Women and Young Children

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care. It serves pregnant women, women up to 6 months after pregnancy (up to 1 year if breastfeeding), infants, and children under age 5.

Some states allow non-citizens to receive WIC benefits. Others limit it to citizens and permanent residents. Check your state WIC program to confirm what it allows.

Income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. People who get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF automatically meet the income rule. You apply through a local WIC clinic or agency.

What to Know Before You Apply

Rules vary by state and program. The same program may treat mixed-status families differently depending on where you live. Contact your local agency directly to ask about your situation.

Applying is free. No one will charge you to apply for benefits.

Only the agency decides eligibility. You may qualify even if you're not sure. It's worth applying.

Your state may have additional programs. Check your state benefits page to see what else might be available where you live.

Next Steps

• Visit our benefits screener to see what programs you might qualify for.
• Go to your state Medicaid or SNAP website to learn your state's specific rules on immigration status.
• Contact your local WIC clinic or CHIP office to ask what documents you'll need.
• Ask about any local or nonprofit programs that help immigrant families in your area.