Public benefits that can be considered in public charge assessments include safety-net and health programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicare.
November 18, 2025
high
policy
Examples of federal programs that may factor into public charge evaluations.
People without lawful immigration status are ineligible for federal programs such as SNAP, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Medicaid.
November 18, 2025
high
eligibility
Federal statutory or regulatory eligibility rules for certain benefits.
U.S. citizen children of noncitizen parents are eligible for federal public benefit programs.
November 18, 2025
high
eligibility
Citizenship-based eligibility for federal benefits regardless of parental immigration status.
Approximately 42 million Americans receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
September 27, 2025
high
statistical
Order-of-magnitude estimate of SNAP enrollment
Medicaid is a joint federal-state U.S. health insurance program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families, including many children.
high
definition
Provides a general definition of the Medicaid program referenced in policy debates about healthcare funding.