Are you an immigrant struggling to make ends meet? Don’t feel alone, as there are many like you who have found themselves in the same circumstances. Fortunately, there are now several resources available to help ease your financial burden, and one of them is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP/ EBT Benefits.
If you’re wondering whether immigrants can get food stamps and what are the easiest ways to apply for them, look no further: This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need about accessing benefits to help you get food on the table. From eligibility requirements and program funding to application tips to finding grocery stores that accept food stamps near you, this guide covers it all!
Can Undocumented Immigrants Receive SNAP Benefits?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP EBT benefits. However, your household may still be eligible for assistance through LPRs or having children who are U.S. citizen in your household.
What Immigration Status Can Qualify You for Food Stamps?
U.S. Citizens
Immigrants that are U.S. citizens and meet the financial requirements are eligible for food assistance.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
A Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) is also eligible if their work history has been credited with 40 quarters of eligible work. Also, if you
- Have lived in the U.S. for at least five years
- Are under the age of 18
- Are blind or disabled
- Are born on or before 8/22/31 and have lawfully resided in the U.S. since 8/22/96
- Have a specifically defined military connection
Note that LPRs will also be subject to financial resource requirements.
Qualified Alien
(From the USDA Website)
- Is an alien in one of the following groups who has been in qualified status for 5 years:
- Paroled for at least one year under section 212(d)(5) of INA
- Granted conditional entry under 203(a)(7) of INA in effect prior to April 1, 1980
- Battered spouse, child, or parent with a petition pending under 204(a)(1)(A) or (B) or 244(a)(3) of INA
No Waiting Period
Certain immigrants may be eligible for food stamps with no waiting period. They are
- Qualified alien children under 18 years old
- Refugees admitted under section 207 of INA (includes victims of severe forms of trafficking)
- Victims of Trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
- Lawful Permanent Residents in the U.S. who are receiving government payments for disability or blindness
- Lawful Permanent Residents with a military connection (veteran, on active duty, or spouse or child of a veteran or active duty service member)
For a complete list check the USDA website.
Can My Family Get SNAP Benefits Through My U.S. Citizen Children?
Yes, as long as your children have US citizens, they may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits if their parents are noncitizen adults.
How Do I Apply For Food Stamps?
The process of applying for food stamps can vary from state to state. Each state may have varying financial requirements for your household to qualify for public benefits.
The Federal government website on SNAP is the best starting point for families looking to determine if they are eligible for certain benefits for non citizens in each state.
Use this resource to determine how to sign up in each state and its required immigration status. Start your application here at Benefits.gov.
Each state’s online portal is different so make sure you double check that you are applying in the correct state. If you have questions, call the state’s helpline. Applications take on average 4-6 weeks to process.
Don’t worry if you cannot speak English fluently. Translations are available for applications.
After You Receive Your SNAP EBT Benefits Card
Once you have received your EBT card and pin, you are able to purchase eligible EBT food from qualifying stores.
Online Shopping with Food Stamps
Many grocery stores will accept SNAP EBT in person or online. Some lager ones like Amazon and Walmart may offer free delivery and other savings as well.
For a full list of stores accepting EBT, EBT Online Pilot Program.
Did You Know SNAP Assistance Grants Additional Benefits?
There are additional benefits available to SNAP card recipients.
You can use your SNAP EBT card to get free entry into museums, zoos, and other parks throughout the US with Museums4all.org.
Get gym discounts and more with your SNAP card.
Free Cell Phone Service and Data
You can also use your SNAP Benefit to apply and qualify for the Lifeline Program.
No Matter if you’re an immigrant new to the US or already a U.S. citizen, you can benefit from this additional program and reduce your family’s financial burden. Learn more about Free Cell Phone Service Through Food Stamps.
Food Stamps for Immigrants
The U.S. government sees it as a priority to ensure that citizens and non citizens have access to nutrition services while they are trying to get through difficult times.
It is important that all immigrants understand the SNAP program and its eligibility requirements for both citizens and non-citizens, so that those families in need can receive help financially while building a new life in the US.
