10 Myths and Facts about SNAP/Food Stamp Benefits and Immigrants

This USDA flier corrects 10 myths about SNAP/Food Stamps and immigrants.

1. Myth: You have to be a U.S. citizen to get SNAP/Food Stamps.

   Fact: Some legal immigrants can get SNAP/Food Stamps. If you are an “eligible immigrant,” you may qualify. Ask your local food stamp office.

2. Myth: Getting SNAP/Food Stamps hurts your chances of becoming a citizen.

   Fact: If you are a legal immigrant and you get SNAP/Food Stamps, it will not hurt your chances of becoming a citizen.

3. Myth: If you don’t have legal status, you can’t get SNAP/Food Stamps.

   Fact:Undocumented people can’t get SNAP/Food Stamps. But citizens and some legal immigrants who live with them can get SNAP/Food Stamps, including children.

4. Myth: Children of undocumented immigrants can’t get SNAP/Food Stamps.

   Fact: Children of undocumented immigrants can get SNAP/Food Stamps if they are citizens or legal permanent residents.

5. Myth: Undocumented people who ask about the SNAP/Food Stamps Program or live with people who get SNAP/Food Stamps are reported to United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).

   Fact: SNAP/Food Stamps Program information is confidential. But, the SNAP/Food Stamps office checks the immigration documents you give them with USCIS. If you are not documented, you won’t be asked for your immigration documents. Other members of the household can still apply and may be eligible.

6. Myth: If USCIS finds out you get SNAP/Food Stamps, you have to pay them back.

   Fact: People who get SNAP/Food Stamps in the right amount do not have to pay them back. Make sure the information you give when you apply is correct. If you get SNAP/Food Stamps because of wrong information, you will have to pay them back.

7. Myth: It hurts your sponsor if you get SNAP/Food Stamps.

   Fact:A sponsor’s income and resources are usually counted when you apply for SNAP/Food Stamps. But there are some exceptions. Ask your local SNAP/Food Stamps office. If you do not get benefits, the rest of your household may still be eligible.

8. Myth: You can’t get SNAP/Food Stamps even if you have a green card and work.

   Fact: Many legal immigrants are eligible. Generally, if you have been in the U.S. legally for 5 years, or are a child under 18, get a disability-related benefit, or have enough work history in the U.S, you may be able to get SNAP/Food Stamps.

9. Myth: You can’t apply for SNAP/Food Stamps if you don’t speak English.

   Fact: Anyone can apply for SNAP/Food Stamps. Local SNAP/Food Stamps offices have applications in many languages. SNAP/Food Stamps workers can find interpreters to help you. Or a friend or family member who speaks English can apply for you.

10. Myth: You have to bring your own interpreter to apply for SNAP/Food Stamps.

    Fact: If there are a large number of people who speak the same language, the local SNAP/Food Stamps office must provide translation services.

SNAP/Food Stamps Make America Stronger.

For more information, call 1-800-221-5689
or go online.

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