Q: I am undocumented. Can I apply for any benefits for myself and my family?

According to the <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/immigration/federal-benefits-to-unauthorized-immigrants.aspx" target="_blank">National Conference of State Legislatures</a>, unauthorized immigrants are eligible to receive the following benefits: Emergency medical treatment under Medicaid Immunizations, testing and treatment of infectious diseases Short-term, in-kind emergency disaster relief Free public education through high school School meals In-kind community-level services, including soup kitchens, counseling, temporary housing, mental health services and protective services State-funded benefit programs, including prenatal care and delivery services The following food benefits are available if you're undocumented: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Summer Food Service program Special Milk program Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Question 1

I am undocumented. Can I apply for any benefits for myself and my family?

Accepted Answer

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, unauthorized immigrants are eligible to receive the following benefits:

Emergency medical treatment under Medicaid
Immunizations, testing and treatment of infectious diseases
Short-term, in-kind emergency disaster relief
Free public education through high school
School meals
In-kind community-level services, including soup kitchens, counseling, temporary housing, mental health services and protective services
State-funded benefit programs, including prenatal care and delivery services

The following food benefits are available if you're undocumented:

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
Summer Food Service program
Special Milk program
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Question 2

Can you collect Social Security if you are an undocumented immigrant?

Accepted Answer

The Social Security Administration specifies that only non-citizens authorized to work in the U.S., victims of severe forms of human trafficking or special immigrants from Iraq or Afghanistan can qualify for Social Security benefits. Applying for SSI benefits requires proof of immigration status or military service.

Question 3

If I am an undocumented immigrant, can I get benefits for my child, who is a U.S. citizen?

Accepted Answer

The National Immigration Forum Fact Sheet states that the U.S. citizen children of undocumented immigrants enjoy the same rights as any other American citizen. This means that if you're from a mixed-status family, your child is eligible to receive federal benefits without penalty.

Question 4

I don't speak English well. Are there any services available to help?

Accepted Answer

Executive Order 13166 requires federal agencies to examine their services, identify the necessary ones and implement systems to assist individuals with limited English proficiency. That includes access to interpreters and translators from the Department of Health and Human Services and language access at Customs and Border Protection.

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