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 will still have to meet other eligibility criteria (i.e. income and asset limits, etc.).
*This, of course, does not apply to benefit programs that are specifically for non-citizens (like TCVAP cash aid and CAPI).
LPRs are eligible for all of the major benefits programs in California (provided that they qualify financially and meet the other eligibility criteria), including:
Medi-Cal
CalFresh
CalWORKs (cash aid)
IHSS
General Relief
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) OR Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
[If person has credit for 40 quarters (10 years) of work history in the US, then SSI; if they do not, then CAPI]Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
EDD Benefits
and others!
Note: If sponsored LPRs have questions about how enrolling in benefits could impact their sponsor, contact BAILA!
Folks who have been GRANTED refugee or asylee status are eligible for all major benefits programs in California (provided that they qualify financially and meet other eligibility criteria), including:
Medi-Cal
CalFresh
CalWORKs (cash aid)
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
If person has not adjusted to LPR status within 7 years of being granted asylee or refugee status - can get CAPI
If 7 years has passed since asylee/refugee status was granted AND the person has adjusted to LPR status but does not have 40 credits/quarters of work history - can get CAPI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
First 7 years after being granted asylee or refugee status - can get SSI
Once naturalized citizen - can get SSI with no time limit
If person has adjusted to LPR status AND does have credit for 40 quarters of work in US -- can get SSI
Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Refugee Cash Assistance (for refugees for 12 months)
General Relief
IHSS
EDD Benefits
And others!
DACA recipients may be eligible for:
Medi-Cal
Covered California (beginning 11/1/2024; see more here: https://www.nilc.org/resources/frequently-asked-questions-affordable-care-act-eligibility-for-daca-recipients/)
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 are eligible to enroll in the major benefits programs in California (provided that they qualify financially and meet other eligibility criteria), including:
Medi-Cal
CalFresh
CalWORKs (cash aid)
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Social Security Retirement or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) -- need current work authorization
General Relief
IHSS
EDD Benefits
And others!
Folks who have a pending U Visa application or whose application has been approved are eligible for the following (provided that they qualify financially and meet other eligibility criteria):
Medi-Cal
CalFresh
CalWORKs (cash aid)
IHSS
TCVAP cash aid (for 12 months)
CAPI
General Relief
Social Security Retirement or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) -- need current work authorization; but NOT SSI
EDD Benefits
And others!
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 are eligible for all major benefits programs in California (provided that they qualify financially and meet other eligibility criteria), including:
Medi-Cal
CalFresh
CalWORKs (cash aid)
TCVAP cash aid and/or Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - need current work authorization
General Relief
IHSS
EDD Benefits
And others!
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, provided that they qualify financially and meet other eligibility criteria.
This is GENERAL information only. 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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