~ Fact Sheet No. 22 ~ |
Since "Welfare Reform,@ it has become harder for some immigrants to receive public benefits such as food stamps and SSI. However, most immigrants are still eligible to receive some government benefits. Do not let rumors and myths stop you from applying for what you may be legally entitled to receive!
Benefits for Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
As a general rule, if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who entered the U.S. prior to 8/22/96 and continuously resided in the US until attaining qualified alien status, you are entitled to receive the following benefits (provided, of course, that you also meet the programs' eligibility criteria):
- FAMILY ASSISTANCE
- SAFETY-NET ASSISTANCE
- MEDICAID
Special Rules for Food Stamps
If you are a lawful permanent resident who lawfully resided in U.S. on 8/22/96, you may receive food stamps only if you are:
- 65 years old or older at time of application; or
- Under 18 years of age; or
- Disabled at time of application; or
- Social Security Administration can credit you with 40 qualifying quarters of work.
Special Rules for SSI
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may receive SSI if you were:
- Receiving SSI on 8/22/96; or
- Lawfully residing in U.S. on 8/22/96 and at time of application, were blind or disabled; or
- Social Security Administration can credit you with 40 qualifying quarters of work.
WE CAN Help!
| If you are a non-citizen living in North Brooklyn and you have questions about your eligibility for public benefits, please call the WE CAN Hotline at Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A: (718) 487-2300 or (800) 696-6778. |
© 2000 Brooklyn Legal ServicesCorporation A