Can undocumented parents apply for benefits for their U.S. citizen children?

The short answer: yes

Your child's immigration status is what matters, not yours. If your child is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, they can apply for benefits. Your status as an undocumented parent does not disqualify them.

Which benefits can your citizen child get?

Your U.S. citizen child may qualify for:

• SNAP (food stamps) – Monthly benefits on a card to buy food at grocery stores
• Medicaid – Free or low-cost health coverage
• CHIP – Low-cost health coverage if your family earns too much for Medicaid
• WIC – If your child is under age 5, healthy foods and nutrition education

How to apply

You can apply for your child even if you are undocumented. You do not need a Social Security number or immigration documents to apply, though your child will need their Social Security number or a document showing they are a citizen or legal resident.

Apply through your state agency. You can find contact information for your state on our state pages. Or apply online through HealthCare.gov for Medicaid and CHIP.

Applying is free. Only the agency decides who qualifies.

Your privacy is protected

The agency will not share your information with immigration authorities just because you apply for benefits for your child. However, tell the agency if you have concerns about privacy – they may have protections in place.