I am not a United States citizen. Can I get CalFresh?
Yes, you may be eligible if you are a "qualified" immigrant. This includes Permanent Legal Residents (holders of green cards), refugees, asylees (an individual who has been granted asylum), people granted withholding of deportation or removal, Cuban/Haitian entrants, individuals paroled into the U.S. for a least one year by immigration authorities, conditional entrants (temporary green card), and certain victims of domestic violence. Victims of human trafficking (T visa) and applicants for U visa/interim relief are also eligible for CalFresh.
Will my immigration status be reported to immigration authorities?
No. your immigration status information will only be used to check whether you are eligible for CalFresh. Immigration authorities cannot use this information to deport you unless there is a criminal violation involved.
Can my kids get CalFresh 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 CalFresh for your kids (under age 22) who were born in the United States, are permanent residents or qualify for special immigration status. You will have to show proof of your income and resources to determine the amount of their CalFresh.
Will receiving CalFresh on behalf of my children make it harder to get a green card or become a citizen?
No, unlike receiving other cash assistance, receiving CalFresh does not make an immigrant a "public charge." The immigrant will not be denied entry to the country, or denied lawful permanent residence or a "green card" because he or she receives CalFresh benefits. An immigrant's use of CalFresh is not relevant in deciding whether he/she can become a U.S. citizen. The exception is where the CalFresh benefits were received or used fraudulently, (for example, if the immigrant did not tell the truth about where he/she lived or his/her income, etc.).
Can immigrant children who don't have U.S. immigration documentation get CalFresh?
No, only children born in the United States are permanent residents or qualify for special immigration status can get CalFresh.
Is information about sponsorship required as a component of applying for CalFresh?
Yes, but only for certain adults. You can apply on behalf of children under 18 years of age without supplying ANY information about sponsors. Immigrants with sponsors can still get CalFresh if their sponsor's income is very low, or if they would go hungry or homeless without assistance (taking into account any money the family actually receives) or if they are victims of domestic violence, or if they have credit for ten years of work history in the U.S.