Which benefits can immigrants receive?

Most federal public benefits in the U.S. are open to U.S. citizens and immigrants considered "qualified aliens." Being a qualified alien is often not enough: many programs have a 5-year waiting period or additional requirements. In 2025–2026, the rules for SNAP, Medicaid, and health insurance assistance became more restrictive. On this page, you will find who is considered a qualified alien, the 5-year rule and its exceptions, the new changes, and what you need to know before applying.

• Most federal benefits are open only to U.S. citizens and "qualified aliens." This group especially includes green card holders.
• The complete list under the law (8 U.S.C. 1641(b)):
  1. green card holders (lawful permanent residents)
  2. people granted asylum
  3. people admitted as refugees
  4. people admitted under parole for at least one year
  5. people whose removal has been withheld
  6. people granted conditional entry before April 1, 1980
  7. Cuban and Haitian entrants
  8. people lawfully residing in the U.S. under the Compact of Free Association (COFA)
• In addition, people who have been abused in the U.S. by their spouse or parent and whose certain immigration petition has been approved or is pending (and, in some cases, their children) are also considered qualified aliens.
• Temporary visa holders (tourist, student, and work visa holders) are not on this list and cannot receive most of these benefits.
• An unqualified alien cannot receive most federal public benefits. Exceptions are listed below.

• A qualified alien who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996 cannot receive federal means-tested public benefits for 5 years from the date they entered in qualified status.
• Example: A person who enters with an immigrant visa on March 1, 2026 and becomes a green card holder completes the 5-year period on March 1, 2031.
• People exempt from the 5-year rule:
  • refugees, people granted asylum, and people whose removal has been withheld
  • Cuban and Haitian entrants and Amerasian immigrants
  • honorably discharged veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses and unmarried dependent children
  • people covered by COFA
• Benefits not subject to the 5-year rule:
  • Medicaid for emergency medical conditions, except organ transplants
  • short-term, non-cash emergency disaster assistance
  • school lunch and child nutrition programs
  • vaccinations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases
  • community services intended to protect life and safety, such as soup kitchens, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters
  • foster care and adoption payments, subject to conditions
  • higher education student aid
• Additional requirements may apply depending on the program even after 5 years have passed:
  • 40 quarters of work: A green card holder may avoid some SSI and SNAP restrictions if they have worked in the U.S. under Social Security for 40 quarters (approximately 10 years). They must not have received means-tested federal benefits during quarters after 1996.
  • For SNAP, see 16.2; for Medicaid and CHIP, see 16.3; and for SSI, see 16.4.

• A law enacted in July 2025 (Public Law 119-21, H.R. 1) narrowed the group of noncitizens eligible for some programs from the broader "qualified alien" list:
  • SNAP (food assistance): Since July 2025, only U.S. citizens, green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and people covered by COFA. Refugees and asylees without green cards are not included in this list.
  • Medicaid and CHIP: Since October 1, 2026, federal payment is available for the same four groups. The emergency medical condition exception remains in effect.
  • Marketplace premium assistance: Starting January 1, 2027, only green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA immigrants will be eligible (see 10.0).
• Public charge rule: Since September 18, 2026, receipt of any means-tested public benefit may be considered in visa and green card applications. Benefits received before September 18, 2026, are evaluated under the old rule. For details, see 16.5.
• The rules in this area changed significantly in 2025–2026, and some are being litigated. Ask your state's relevant office before applying.

• SNAP (food assistance) — citizens; green card holders (generally subject to a 5-year rule, 40 quarters of work, or additional requirements such as being under age 18); Cuban and Haitian entrants; and people covered by COFA. See 16.2.
• Medicaid and CHIP (health coverage) — narrower group since October 1, 2026; generally a 5-year waiting period after obtaining qualified alien status. See 16.3.
• SSI (monthly payments for older adults and people with disabilities) — you must be a qualified alien and meet an additional requirement. See 16.4.
• TANF (cash assistance for families with children) and housing assistance — rules connected to immigration status vary by state. See 16.4.
• Services independent of immigration status — emergency health care, public school, and vaccinations. See 16.6.
• U.S. Social Security retirement — a benefit earned through work; see 17.1.

• Your status will be verified. Benefit agencies verify your immigration status through USCIS's SAVE system. SAVE only verifies status; the agency providing the benefit decides whether you qualify.
• Mixed-status families: If one family member is ineligible, applications may be submitted for eligible members, such as children born in the U.S. For SNAP, the ineligible member's income is still included in the household calculation.
• If you do not want your status checked: For SNAP, the agency must offer the option of withdrawing the application or participating without that household member.
• Sponsor's income: If Form I-864, an Affidavit of Support, was signed for you, your sponsor's and the sponsor's spouse's income and assets are counted as your income for SNAP. This counting continues until you become a citizen, reach 40 quarters of work, or the sponsor dies.
• The agency determines eligibility. If you are unsure, apply or ask your state's social services office; however, discuss the public charge impact with an attorney in advance.

• USAGov Benefit Finder: shows through questions which programs you may qualify for.
• State social services agencies: reach your state's agency through USAGov's state directory.
• SNAP: your state's SNAP office; see 16.2.
• Health insurance and immigrants: HealthCare.gov's immigrants page.
• SSI: Social Security Administration (SSA), +1 800 772 1213.

• Assuming that you qualify for all federal benefits as soon as you receive your green card.
• Counting the 5-year period from the date of the green card rather than from your first tourist entry into the U.S. The period begins with entry in qualified status.
• Assuming that you are still eligible for SNAP as a refugee or asylee before obtaining a green card.
• Applying without knowing that your sponsor's income will be counted.
• Receiving means-tested benefits without considering the public charge impact.
• Not applying for U.S. citizen children because an ineligible family member is included.

• I have an H-1B or F-1 visa. Can I receive benefits? Temporary visa holders are not qualified aliens and cannot receive most federal benefits. For services independent of status, such as emergency health care, see 16.6.
• My green card is valid for 2 years. When does the 5-year period end? The period is calculated from the date you entered the U.S. in qualified status, with a green card, or obtained that status.
• My children are U.S. citizens, but I am not. Can I apply for them? Yes, applications may be submitted for eligible members. Your income may be included in the household calculation.
• My asylum application is pending. Am I a qualified alien? The statutory list includes people who have been granted asylum. A person with a pending application is not on this list.
• Will receiving benefits affect my green card or citizenship? The public charge rule covers visa applications, admission at the border, and green card applications from within the U.S. For details, see 16.5; consult an attorney before making a decision.

• 8 U.S.C. 1641: definition of qualified alien
• 8 U.S.C. 1613: 5-year rule
• 8 U.S.C. 1612: SSI and SNAP requirements
• Full text of Public Law 119-21
• Federal Register – Public charge rule (2026)
• USAGov – Benefit Finder
• USAGov – State social services agencies
• USCIS – SAVE
• HealthCare.gov – Immigrants' insurance rights
• SSA POMS – Alien eligibility for SSI