Public Charge

See If Public Charge Affects You:

Learn more:

What is public charge?

“Public charge” is a rule that immigration can use to deny an application for permanent residence ("Green Card") or certain other visas if the applicant is likely to depend on certain government programs if approved.

Public Charge (English)

Public Charge PSA (English)
This is "Public Charge PSA (English)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Public Charge (廣東話)

Public Charge PSA (Cantonese)
This is "Public Charge PSA (Cantonese)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Public Charge (Pilipino)

Public Charge PSA (Tagalog)
This is "Public Charge PSA (Tagalog)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Does Public Charge affect you?

Do you already have a green card?

--------- YES -------->

Public charge doesn't apply. But if you use cash benefits and plan to leave the country for more than 6 months, it is a good idea to talk with an immigration attorney.

Are you applying for:
- Citizenship
- Green Card renewal
- DACA renewal
- U or T Visa
- Asylum or Refugee status
- TPS
- VAWA
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Green Card based on U/T/SIJ, VAWA, or Asylum?

--------- YES -------->

Public charge doesn't apply to you for these applications. You may use any benefits for which you qualify.

Do you or your family plan to apply for a green card or visa?

--------- YES -------->

Whether you are applying from inside or outside of the U.S., a public charge test may apply (but only a few benefits that the applicant receives count). It is still safe to get Medi-Cal and CalFresh/Food Stamps benefits, If they are STATE FUNDED. Eligible family members can use any benefits.

Benefits currently considered

for public charge test:

* Cash Benefits
- SSI
- CalWORKs
- CAPI
- General Assistance

Announced changes to public

charge will also consider:

Federally Funded:
* CalFresh/food stamps
* Non-emergency Medi-Cal
* Federal housing/Section 8

But Only IF received after 10/15 and the immigrant filed for a green card after 10/14/19.

The changes above might never be made. Most immigrants receive only STATE FUNDED Medi-Cal or Calfresh, which are not counted.

The video above is a KYR PSA from the California Immigrant Policy Center and The California Endowment. It addresses concerns around the possible change to public charge policy and access to public benefits for immigrants.

Important information:

There is NO advantage to stopping your benefits right now.

Food and health care help families thrive.

Before you stop any benefits, talk to a lawyer.

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