Benefits Eligibility Screener

For most people, no. Public charge rules only come up when someone applies for a green card or a visa. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, to green card holders renewing a card, or to refugees, asylees, VAWA self-petitioners, T or U visa holders, TPS holders, or Special Immigrant Juveniles. If you are applying for a green card or a visa, a federal rule changes on September 18, 2026 — see the next question. Benefits your U.S. citizen children receive usually do not count against you. This is general information, not legal advice. You can find a free or low-cost immigration lawyer through the National Immigration Legal Services Directory at immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory. Only a licensed immigration lawyer or a DOJ-accredited representative can advise you — a notario is not a lawyer.

A federal rule published on July 20, 2026 (91 FR 45324) takes effect September 18, 2026. It removes the 2022 rules that kept SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and housing help out of public charge decisions. Starting that day, the officer deciding a green card or visa case can look at most benefits a person gets because of low income — including SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, WIC, school meals, and housing help — as one part of the whole picture. No single benefit decides a case by itself; officers still weigh age, health, income, skills, and family together. Two things protect you. First, benefits you applied for, were approved for, or received before September 18, 2026 do not count, no matter when you file. Second, if your green card application is postmarked or filed online before September 18, 2026, your whole case is decided under the older, narrower 2022 rules. This does not change who can get benefits — eligibility rules are the same. It only changes what an immigration officer may consider. This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a free or low-cost immigration lawyer through immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory before you drop or delay a benefit.

Yes — most programs use your gross monthly household income compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The screener applies 2026 FPL thresholds and adjusts for household size. Some programs like SNAP and Medicaid have different income counting rules (e.g., they may exclude certain deductions).

Yes. Many working families qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In fact, working can increase your EITC. There are no work penalties for most programs — and EITC specifically rewards earned income.

Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your monthly phone or internet bill by up to $9.25/month ($34.25/month on Tribal lands). You qualify automatically if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or certain other benefits. Visit lifelinesupport.org to apply.

Most SNAP applications are processed within 30 days. If your household is in a crisis situation (income below $150/month or less than $100 in resources), you may qualify for expedited SNAP within 7 days. Apply at your state's benefits portal or call 211.