Can Immigrants Get Food Stamps? 

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In this resource guide, I will answer the question of whether an undocumented immigrant can receive food stamps.

If you or someone you know is a non US citizen, you may be wondering if you can qualify for SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps).

SNAP benefits offer a monthly payment to low-income families to help them purchase groceries that can be used to feed an entire household. This is a very valuable resource to needy families who need a little help purchasing food each month.

Continue reading this article to better understand if undocumented immigrants can qualify for the food stamp program.

Can Illegal Immigrants Get Food Stamps?

No, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for food stamps. The SNAP program is only available to U.S. citizens and certain categories of lawful non US citizens.

That being said undocumented immigrants who need food assistance can turn to options like food banks in their area and even the WIC program. Both options do not require U.S. citizenship to qualify. 

Which Non Citizens Can Get Food Stamps?

Below is a general list of qualified immigrants who can potentially receive food stamps:

• Lawful permanent residents (those with Green cards) who have lived in the U.S. for 5 years in qualified status. In states like California, Connecticut, Main, Minnesota, and Washington, you do not have to wait 5 years to receive SNAP benefits.
• Refugees accepted by the U.S. who have been given withholding of deportation, conditional entry, or paroled into the country for at least a year.
• Immigrants from Cuba or Hati.
• Battered women and children with a pending or approved 1.) self-petition for an immigrant visa, 2.) an immigrant visa filed for a spouse or child by a U.S. citizen, 3.) an application for cancellation of deportation.
• Victims of trafficking who have obtained the T visa.
• Senior citizens born before August 22, 1931, who lawfully lived in the U.S. on August 22, 1996.
• Lawful permanent residents who have a connection to the U.S. military.

Editor’s Note: If you are in the process of applying for citizenship you are encouraged to speak with your lawyer before applying for food stamps. At the moment food stamps are no longer considered under the Public Charge, but things can change.  Your immigration attorney will be able to best advise you if applying for SNAP benefits is a good idea. 

To learn more about immigrants who could potentially qualify for food stamps you can visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service webpage. They have a complete list of non citizens who may qualify for SNAP. 

You can also call the SNAP hotline at 800.221.5689 to get connected to the food stamp program in your state.

Can U.S. Born Children Of Illegal Immigrants Receive Food Stamps?

Yes, children who are born in the United States can receive food stamps even if their parents are undocumented immigrants. The same is true for a spouse who is a U.S. citizen.

Is Food Stamps Part Of The Public Charge Test?

No, the food stamp program is no longer considered under the public charge rule. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department stopped considering the food stamps program as part of the public charge on March 9, 2021.

You can learn more about the public charge and its connection to the food stamp program by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

Alternative Food Options For Undocumented Immigrants

If you are an undocumented immigrant who does not qualify for food stamps you can use this program to obtain food if you have a low income.

Food Pantries

One way to get food if you are an undocumented immigrant is by visiting food pantries in your area.

Food pantries can offer food that is donated from grocery stores or locally grown. Food pantries can also get fresh produce from farmer’s markets, which they can then give to families in need at no cost.

You can find food banks near you by:

• Visiting Google and typing “food bank near me” or “food bank in your city” into the search bar. You will then be presented with food pantries in your area.
• You can also contact local churches or community centers in your area as they may have their own donation-based food pantry programs too.
• Lastly, you can visit the Feeding America website. On the home page, you can type your zip code to find food banks in your neighborhood.

WIC

While you must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for food stamps, this is not true for the WIC program. Undocumented immigrants can apply for the WIC program as long as they live in the state that they are applying for benefits in.

The WIC program offers food and nutrition support to low-income women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently gave birth. The WIC program can also help children under the age of five get healthy food options as well.

Again U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for eligibility for WIC. To apply for WIC, you can either visit a WIC office in your area or use this link to find the phone number of the WIC in your state.

Conclusion

Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for food stamps. In order to receive food stamps, you must be a U.S. citizen or be a qualified immigrant for the SNAP program. You can find a list of eligible non-citizens for the food stamp program here.

If you are an immigrant who does not qualify for food stamps, alternative ways to get food include visiting food banks in your area or applying for WIC. Being a U.S. citizen is not a requirement to qualify for the WIC program, so definitely contact your local WIC office if you need food for your baby. 

To learn more about food stamp qualifications for immigrants in your state, you can call the SNAP hotline at 800.221.5689.

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