IMMIGRANT ELIGIBILITY FOR FOOD STAMPS IN CALIFORNIA PAGE 3 OF 4
CALIFORNIA IMMIGRANT WELFARE COLLABORATIVE
I just came to this country as a sponsored immigrant, but my sponsor is abusing me.
Can I get food stamps?
Yes. You will have to show proof that your sponsor, your spouse or a member of your household is
abusive towards you. Proof could include police or court papers, or statements from your social
worker, shelter worker or anyone else who helps you escape your abuser. If you have no proof, your
own statement will be sufficient.
FAMILIES WITH UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS
I am undocumented but my children are citizens. Can I get food stamps for them?
Yes. Even though you cannot get food stamps for yourself, you should be able to get food stamps for
your children if they are U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants. Even if you or your family members can't
get food stamps, you can still get school lunch and breakfast, WIC, and go to soup kitchens,
community food banks, meals on wheels and other food programs.
I am undocumented. Will I be reported to the immigration authorities if I apply for
food stamps for my children?
The food stamps office only has to report you to the immigration authorities if it has proof (such as a
final order of deportation) that you are in the country unlawfully. You should not tell anyone that you or
someone in your family is undocumented. If you are not seeking food stamps for yourself, you do not
need to give information about your immigration status, and should not present a false or invalid Social
Security Number. But you will need to give information about your earnings or any property you may
have, like a car. You should tell your food stamp worker that you are not trying to get benefits for
yourself, and that you are not a “qualified” or “eligible” immigrant. “Not qualified” or “not eligible” is not
the same as undocumented.
Remember, it is illegal for the government to treat you differently just because of the way you look
or because you are from a particular country. Your caseworkers are not supposed to ask you any
further questions about your immigration status once you tell them that you are not applying for food
stamps for yourself. If you have questions, call one of the numbers below to find out how to get help.
APPLYING FOR A GREEN CARD OR FOR CITIZENSHIP
I have had my green card for 5 years. Can I become a citizen even if I used food
stamps?
Yes. The immigration authorities cannot stop you from becoming a citizen just because you used food
stamps. But, you may have trouble becoming a citizen if you got food stamps that you were not
supposed to get (for example, if you didn't tell the truth about your income). If you think you received
benefits that you were not supposed to get, you should get legal help before you apply to become a
citizen. Call one of the numbers listed on this form to find out where to get legal help.
Will I be considered a “public charge” if I get food stamps for myself or for my
children?
No, using food stamps will not be considered in deciding whether you are likely to become a “public
charge,” and will not affect your chances of getting a green card on this basis.
I do not agree with my food stamp worker about my eligibility. What can I do?
Anyone who has a problem with his/her food stamp worker's decision can file for a fair hearing. A fair
hearing is a meeting with people from the food stamp office who have not been involved with the
decision against you.