Overview of Benefits Programs
Click on the buttons to see the programs for each benefit
Eligibility by Immigration Status
There are no restrictions on the benefits that US Citizens may be eligible for. Though, of course, they wil still have to meet other eligibility criteria (i.e. income and asset limits, etc.).
LPRs may be eligible to enroll in all of the programs listed above in CA.*
Note: Depending on when the person received their green card and their work history, they may be eligible for the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) instead of SSI.
*Except for those that are specifically for refugees or survivors of trafficking and serious crime.
Folks who have been GRANTED refugee or asylee status may be eligible to enroll in all of the programs listed above in California.
Note: If the asylum or refugee status was granted more than 7 years ago, the person may be eligible for CAPI instead of SSI.
Refugees can get Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) for 12 months.
DACA recipients may be eligible for:
Medi-Cal
In-Home Supportive Services
WIC
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) if the person is over the age of 65 and/or has a disability
Unemployment benefits from EDD
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - but NOT Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Certain tax credits.
VAWA self-petitioners who have received their prima facie determination may be eligible to enroll in all of the programs listed above - though they would likely be eligible for CAPI instead of SSI.
Folks who have a pending U Visa application or whose application has been approved may be eligible for all of the programs listed above – though, they would receive CAPI instead of SSI.
Note that people with pending/approved U Visa applications who do not have minor children can get a special form of cash aid called TCVAP for up to 12 months.
Welfare agencies often get confused when working with U Visa applicants and holders. If an application for benefits is denied, please contact the BAILA Network or another trusted organization (https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help).
Trafficking survivors who are currently in the process of preparing a T Visa application AND have not yet received a letter from ORR certifying them as a trafficking survivor --> may be eligible for all of the programs listed above (except - they'd be eligible for CAPI instead of SSI – and TCVAP instead of RCA)
Must submit the T Visa application within 12 months
Trafficking survivors who have a T Visa application pending or approved - eligible for all programs listed above (except they would get TCVAP instead of RCA)
Note - if the person has received an ORR certification letter, they would be eligible for federal benefits (so RCA instead of TCVAP)
Folks who qualify as PRUCOL may be eligible for:
Medi-Cal
IHSS
CAPI
WIC
tax assistance and other benefits.
The person may be eligible for Medi-Cal, WIC, State Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave, and tax assistance among others.
For special guidance about State Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave, see: https://legalaidatwork.org/guides/undocumented-workers-guide-to-applying-for-california-disability-insurance-paid-family-leave/
Note: If someone is undocumented and has children who are US Citizens, they can enroll their children in all of the benefits listed above.
If you want to learn more about whether using public benefits for eligible children could impact a parent in a public charge determination, go to the Public Charge info page. If you want to talk about your own situation specifically, contact a trusted legal services provider.
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