Immigration

I am not a United States citizen. Can I get SNAP (Food Stamps), Financial Assistance, Child Care or Medicaid in Utah?

Yes, you may be eligible if you are a "qualified" immigrant. When you submit an application for benefits, you will have to show proof of your income, resources, immigration status and meet all other criteria for each program to be eligible. Workforce Services uses the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. See the SAVE fact sheet to see how we use this system to verify your eligible immigration status for benefits. 

Can my kids get benefits even if I don't have U.S. immigration documents?

Yes, your children may be eligible even if you aren't. You may apply for benefits for your kids who were born in the U.S., or who have a qualifying immigration status. You will have to show proof of your income, resources, and meet all other criteria for each program to be eligible.

Will receiving benefits on behalf of my children make it harder to get a green card or become a citizen?

Receiving public benefits does not automatically make an individual a “public charge.” For details on Public Charge, please visit the USCIS website at the following link:
https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge or
https://www.uscis.gov/es/tarjeta-verde/carga-publica
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/public-charge/public-charge-resources 

 

Can immigrant children who don't have U.S. immigration documentation get SNAP, Financial Assistance, Child Care or Medicaid?

No, only children born in the U.S., or those with qualifying immigration status can receive benefits. Individuals (adults and children) with an emergency medical need may be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage for that emergency. 

Is information about sponsorship required as a component of applying for SNAP, Financial Assistance, Child Care or Medicaid?

Yes, in some situations it may be required for you to provide information about the sponsorship to determine your eligibility for the programs you have applied for. Each program has different requirements for sponsorship. However, in many cases, it may be determined that you are exempt from providing sponsorship information, such as having 10 years of work history or meeting certain immigration statuses.