Government Help for Immigrants
If you're an immigrant in Oregon and you're having money problems, such as paying for food, rent, or utilities, the government can help.
This article helps you understand government assistance in Oregon, concerns about "public charge," and what programs you can qualify for based on your immigration status.
Who can get government aid in Oregon?
Many immigrants in Oregon can get government help. Your ability to get help depends on:
- Your income: Most programs help people with low incomes and few resources, such as cars or money in the bank.
- Family size: Some programs are only for people with children.
- Immigration status: Your immigration status affects which programs you can use.
- Work history: Some programs are only for people who have worked in the U.S. and paid taxes.
Government benefit programs in Oregon
There are many different government benefit programs for people living in Oregon. These programs include cash, food, medical, and housing assistance programs for people who don't have much money. There are also programs for people unable to work or elderly people, like disability benefits, Paid Leave Oregon, and retirement benefits.
Refer to this guide for more information about government benefit programs in Oregon.
Understanding the programs you qualify for
There are many government aid programs available. It can be confusing to understand who is eligible and how to apply. While there isn't one tool that tells you everything you qualify for, here are some helpful places to contact:
- Refugee Resettlement Agencies help new immigrants learn about their options and connect with government aid programs. Visit this government site for a list of resettlement agencies in Oregon.
- Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are local organizations in Oregon that assist people who are having financial trouble. They help you understand the available financial help and guide you through the application process. Visit the CAA website to find your local CAA.
- 211 is a free service that can help you understand options and connect with government and non-government financial aid. Learn more about 211 here.
Takeaways
- There are many kinds of government aid programs. These programs can help you when you're struggling financially.
- Many non-U.S. citizens and undocumented immigrants qualify for government aid.
- If you're feeling stuck, you can get free help understanding what programs you qualify for from a Refugee Resettlement Agency, Community Action Agency, or by calling 211.
Further Reading
You might have heard the phrase "public charge." This rule applies when an immigrant applies for a green card. The immigration officer must consider the likelihood that the immigrant primarily depends on the government for financial support.
While the public charge rules may sound concerning, they don't apply to most immigrants! If you qualify for government assistance, you probably don't need to worry about public charge. You can find out if the public charge rules apply using the Public Charge Guide on the Keep Your Benefits website.
Key points about public charge rules
The key things to remember about the public charge test are:
- If you qualify for public benefits, you probably don't have to worry about the public charge test.
- If your kids or family members get benefits, this won't count against you if you do have to pass a public charge test.
- Even if you receive benefits that do count in the public charge test, this doesn't mean you will automatically fail the public charge test.
Who has to worry about public charge rules?
Public charge rules don't apply to most immigrants; they only apply to:
- Immigrants applying for Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) through a family member
- LPRs trying to return to the U.S. after being gone for more than six months
- People coming to the U.S. under a non-immigrant status, like temporary visitors, temporary workers, students, etc.
Which programs count in the public charge test?
Public charge rules don't apply to many government aid programs.
- Programs that don't count: health care, housing assistance, food and nutrition, utility assistance, short-term institutionalization, and community-based care (like care in an assisted living facility or in-home caregiving)
- Programs that do count: monthly cash benefits that are a person’s primary income (like TANF cash benefits or SSI disability benefits), long-term care in a nursing home or mental health facility paid for by the government.
Government benefits can be confusing. If you have problems or complicated questions about a government benefit program, you may want to ask a lawyer for help.
In Oregon, a good place to start is the Oregon Public Benefit Hotline. This hotline is staffed by lawyers and trained advocates who work for Oregon's legal aid programs. You can call the hotline for help if you have questions about:
- Your eligibility for government benefits
- Public charge questions
- Changes to your benefits
- Problems with your benefits, like overpayments or fraud
- Not getting help in the language you speak
- Other issues with your benefits
If you don't speak English fluently, you have rights when accessing government services, programs, or places that get government funding. In Oregon, many government agencies and organizations must provide language services to people who do not speak English fluently. This means you can ask for help in your preferred language, whether it's through interpretation or translation.