Skip to content
OwedFinder

Life change guide

I'm new to the U.S.

Find free health coverage, food assistance and other benefits available to new residents in the U.S. Apply through your state.

6 steps, in order4 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

Moving to the U.S. means navigating new systems for health care, food, and other basics. The good news: you may qualify for free or low-cost benefits—and applying is free.

If you're settling in, start by getting health coverage for yourself and your family. Then look into food assistance if you need it. These programs are designed to help people get stable quickly.

Your immigration status affects what you can access. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and some other immigration statuses qualify for most benefits. Even if you're not sure about your status, it's worth checking—some programs have different rules.

The steps below walk you through the main benefits in order. Each one is free to apply for, and only the agency decides if you qualify.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Get health coverage for yourself

    Apply for Medicaid or CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program). You can apply anytime through your state or at HealthCare.gov, which sends your application to your state. If you have children, they may qualify even if you don't. Medicaid is free; CHIP is low-cost.

    About Medicaid
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Get health coverage for your children

    Children qualify for Medicaid or CHIP based on their own income and age, not your household's. Apply for your children even if you don't qualify yourself. Both programs are free or low-cost and cover doctor visits, prescriptions and more.

    About CHIP
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Apply for food assistance

    SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. You apply through your state. Benefits depend on your income and household size. If you have young children or are pregnant, also check WIC.

    About SNAP
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Check if you qualify for WIC

    WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support. You qualify if you're pregnant, recently gave birth, or have a child under age 5. Apply at a local WIC clinic or agency.

    About WIC
  5. 5

    Step 5

    Ask about other help

    Look into programs for utilities, child care, job training and other needs. Your state has its own mix of benefits. A benefits counselor can help you find what's available where you live. Many nonprofits offer free help navigating these programs.

  6. 6

    Step 6

    Keep your benefits updated

    Once you're approved, your benefits may need yearly reviews. Save any letters you get and respond by the deadline. If your situation changes—income, address, family size—tell your agency. Keeping information current prevents losing benefits.

Programs that can help

SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.MedicaidState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.WICState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.CHIPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.