Yes! Immigrants and non-U.S. citizens can get food stamps if they are any one of the following when they apply:

√ Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in possession of a green card
√ Refugees
√ Asylees
√ People granted withholding of deportation or removal
√ Cuban/Haitian entrants
√ Individuals who have received USCIS/INS parole in the US for at least 1 year
√ Conditional entrants or
√ Certain victims of domestic violence or trafficking.

and one of the following:

• Children under 18 years of age regardless of when they entered the US;
• LPR’s who have lived in the U.S. for 5 or more years;
• LPRs with 40 qualifying quarters of work;
• Blind or disabled individuals receiving benefits or assistance for their condition regardless of when they entered the country;
• Veterans or active duty service members (Their spouse, unmarried surviving spouse, and unmarried children under 21 are included); or
• Elderly individuals born on or before August 22, 1931 who were legally living in the U.S. on August 22, 1996.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I get food stamps if I am undocumented but my child is a citizen?
2. Will receiving food stamps make me a "public charge"?
3. What if I don't speak English?
4. Where can I get more information?

1. Can I get food stamps if I am undocumented but my child is a citizen?
YES. You will not have to provide documents about yourself when you apply for your children or other eligible persons in your household. You will have to provide the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with all of the required documentation for any citizen (identification, social security number, etc.) If you are undocumented and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services asks you about your own immigration status, you do NOT have to answer that question. Although you will be considered ineligible for food stamps you will still have to show proof of your income and resources so the caseworker can determine the amount of the food stamp benefits for your children or other eligible persons in your household. If you do not get pay stubs at your job, you can prove your income with a letter from your employer or a phone call between the food stamp office and your employer. If your employer will not cooperate, a letter or phone call from a co-worker or even a sworn statement from yourself should be enough. Montgomery County DHHS cannot turn down your application for lack of proof as long as you are cooperating.

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