Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more before making decisions about public benefits for you and your family. Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions to get you started:

Q: What are public benefits?

A: Public benefits are government benefits like food, cash, housing, and medical assistance for people with low or no income.

Examples include:

• Food Assistance Program (“FAP” Food Stamps, or SNAP) / Bridge Card
• MI TANF / Family Independence Program
• MI State Housing Development Authority
• MSHDA Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA)
• Housing Resource, Inc.
• Medicaid-(mihealth card)
  1. MIChild-for children under the age of 19
  2. Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
  3. Healthy Michigan Plan

Q. What is "Public Charge"?

A. Public charge is a rule for some people applying for lawful permanent residence (green card) or certain other visas to enter the U.S. It mainly affects people who are applying based on a family petition. Someone who depends too much on public benefits could be considered a “public charge.” Immigration officers may deny the application if they decide someone is likely to become a public charge. They consider a person's health, age, income, family/sponsor support, skills, education, and if they get certain public benefits.

The public charge rules do Not affect everyone, and not every public benefit is included in the test.

Q. Does the public charge rule apply to all immigrants?

A. No. The rule does not affect:

• U.S. citizens or applicants for citizenship
• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Note: if a green card holder leaves the U.S. for six months or longer at one time, the public charge rule can apply when they try to return.
• People applying for green card renewal, DACA renewal, TPS, U or T visas, asylum or refugee status, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, or VAWA.
• People who have U or T visa or VAWA status, even if they apply for a green card through a family-based petition.
• People applying for a green card based on a U or T visa, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, VAWA or asylum/refugee status.

There are other, less common immigration statuses that are not affected by the Public Charge rule. For a longer list,  click here.

Q. Does the Public Charge rule include every public benefit?

A. No. Many benefits are not included in the Public Charge rule. See the benefits list below.

Using these benefits won’t affect the public charge test:

• Bridge Card for nutrition assistance
• mihealth card
• MIChild- for children under the age of 19
• Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
• Healthy Michigan Plan
• MI Aged, Blind, and Disabled Medicaid
• Home Help Program
• Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• MI Home and Community Based Waivers
  • MI Health Link
  • MI Choice Waiver Program
• Medicare
• MI State Housing Development Authority (and all other local housing authorities listed above)
• Michigan WIC
• Disaster Relief (DR-4757-MI(Michigan Severe Storms, Tornadoes, andFlooding))
• Michigan School Meals (Child Nutrition Programs)
• Foster care and adoption
• Michigan Head Start Association
• MIDAP (Michigan Drugs Assistance Program)
• Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit
• Covid-19 testing, treatment, & vaccination
• State Disability Assistance Program
• MIABLE tax-free savings accounts for people with disabilities
• State Emergency Relief Program
• Child Development and Care Program
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance and Home Heating Credit / Weatherization Assistance Program

Q. What if some people in my family get public benefits, and others do not?

A. The public charge rule focuses on the person applying for a green card through a family-based petition. Most immigrants who are applying for a green card through a family-based petition are not eligible for the benefits listed in the public charge rule.

It does not consider benefits used by their family members. 

Q. What if someone will have an interview at the consulate? How does Public Charge affect them?

A. The rules should be the same as the rules for people interviewing at U.S.C.I.S. offices.

Q. How do I know if public benefits or Public Charge could affect my immigration options?

A. Use the Public Charge Guide to learn more about different situations.

Q. Do I qualify for government benefits?

A. Each benefit has different rules about income and immigration status. If you need help for food, health care, cash, or housing for you and your family, contact your social services agency.

Go to https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US

To learn more about benefits and eligibility in Michigan