Immigration and Public Charge
Note: Partnership does not provide legal advice, including advice related to immigration. Every individual or family is different; please contact immigration resources for qualified legal advice. Public Charge Contact List
What is Public Charge?
A “public charge" is defined as a non-citizen who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support, by receiving either: cash assistance for income maintenance (like CalWORKs, SSI, and General Relief/Assistance), being institutionalized for long-term care at government expense.
Most immigrants DO NOT have to worry about public charge at all. Public charge does not apply to everyone. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and many other immigrants are exempted from public charge
Health programs are not part of Public Charge determination (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Medi-Cal (other than support for long-term institutional care), including public assistance for immunizations and for testing and treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases, health clinics, short-term rehabilitation services, and emergency medical services
- Health Insurance through the Affordable Care Act
- Any benefits related to immunizations or testing for communicable diseases
- Treatments or preventative services related to COVID-19, including vaccinations
- Home and community-based services (HCBS)
Resources:
Several groups and agencies have useful information about immigrant rights and public charge. Please check the links below for more information.
- All IN for Health. Immigrant Families: Click here
- California Health and Human Services Agency: Public Charge : Click here
- California Health and Human Services Agency: Public Charge Guide: Click here
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Public Charge Resources: Click here
