Can I qualify for government programs as an immigrant?
Yes! If you've had trouble applying for benefits or want to try for the first time, you can get free help applying for
Food Stamps,
health insurance and
tax credits from the
Children's Defense Fund. Call them at
(212) 627-2227 for information on government benefits.
Can my children qualify for benefits since I am not a US resident?
Yes! If you or your spouse are not US residents, your children can still qualify for benefits. Health insurance is
available to all children in New York. If a parent and child are undocumented, the child can still qualify for
Child Health Plus.
If I don't have my immigration papers, can I apply for any government programs?
Yes! You can still qualify for many of the benefits without a green card (like Child Health Plus and
Emergency Medicaid). However to receive many of these benefits, you will need a Social Security Number or an
Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). To apply for an ITIN, call the IRS at
(212) 436-1000 or visit
IRS.gov.
To apply for a Social Security Card, call
(800) 772-1213 or visit
SSA.gov.
Can I get help as an immigrant in an abusive household?
Yes! Domestic violence victims with immigration papers like the VAWA self-petition or an I-130 immediate relative petition qualify for many benefits and are urged to call even before they apply.
Will my immigration status be kept private if I request public services or benefits?
Yes! Under Mayor Bloomberg's Executive Order 41, City workers must protect the confidentiality of a person's immigration status when they are seeking City services.
Read the full text of EO 41
here, including a list of services administered by the city that non-US citizens can access, regardless of immigration status.
Click
here for the Spanish version.
If you have questions about your immigration status and government benefits visit the
United States Citizenship Immigration Service (USCIS).
 |
 |
It is illegal for employees of New York City to ask for your
immigration status. A city worker may ask for your immigration status
to help you apply for different programs. It is your legal right not to
answer them.
|
|
 |
| Your Nearest: Immigrant Services Providers |
Please enter your ZIP code so that EBO
can find immigrant services providers in your area.
|
