Family at Beach

Public Charge Information

This page is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you need guidance about your individual situation, please contact a qualified attorney. The  Public Charge Contact List has resources to help you find an attorney.  

IMPORTANT: The County of San Diego cannot determine how receiving benefits may affect an immigration application. Public charge determinations are made solely by federal immigration officials and depend on each person’s immigration category, circumstances and type of benefits used. 

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  • What is public charge?

     

    Federal immigration officials determine whether a person applying for a visa, green card, or admission to the U.S. is likely to rely primarily on the government for long-term support or called a “public charge.”

     

  • Are public charge rules changing?

     

    Yes. Beginning Sept. 18, 2026, immigration officials will be allowed to consider a wider range of public benefits—including Medi‑Cal and CalFresh – when deciding whether someone may be considered a “public charge.” 

    These rules are part of federal immigration policy and are separate from the eligibility rules for Self-Sufficiency programs. 

     

  • What does it mean if you are enrolled in CalFresh, Medi‑Cal or CalWORKs?

     

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not released a complete list of benefits that may be considered. However, the rule may apply to several programs including:

    • CalFresh

    May be considered if you are applying for a green card or visa. 

     

    • Medi‑Cal:

      Most Medi-Cal benefits may be considered. 

      Some services are not counted, including:

      Emergency Medi‑Cal

     

    Pregnancy‑related care 

    Services to children under 21 

    School‑based services are not considered.

     

    • CalWORKs: 

      Cash assistance programs, including CalWORKs/TANF, were already considered under prior public charge policies and will continue to be considered 

       

  • Family Members Benefits

     

    Benefits used by other household members are typically not considered under the new policy. 

     

  • When applying for CalFresh or Medi-Cal do I need to share my immigration status?

     

    Yes, individuals applying  for CalFresh or Medi-Cal benefits must provide immigration status information and Social Security numbers when available. Household members not applying for benefits do not need to provide immigration status information or Social Security numbers.  However, they may need to share some financial or household details to help determine eligibility for others in the home. 

     

  • Can undocumented family members apply for CalFresh or Medi-Cal?

     

    CalFresh

    Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for federally funded CalFresh benefits. However, household members who are U.S. Citizens or certain lawfully present immigrants may still qualify. Parents or caregivers may apply on behalf of eligible children, even if they themselves are not eligible.

    If you have questions about what information you must provide, call the County’s Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881 to speak to an eligibility worker.

    Medi-Cal

    Undocumented individuals  may qualify  for certain Medi-Cal programs. To learn more, contact the County’s Access Customer Service Call Center at 1-866-262-9881.

     

  • Should I stop receiving benefits because of the new public charge rule?

     

    No. Do not make decisions based on rumors or general information. 

    • Public charge rules are complex and do not apply to everyone. 

    • Different programs may be treated differently under federal immigration policy. 

    • If you are eligible for benefits, learn about your options before discontinuing assistance. 

    • If you are concerned about immigration consequences, speak to a qualified immigration attorney.

       

  • When should you consult an immigration attorney?

     

    You should seek legal advice if:

    • You plan to apply for a green card or visa and currently use (or plan to use) CalFresh, Medi‑Cal, CalWORKs, General Assistance, or other benefits that are may be considered under public charge rules. 

    • You are unsure whether public charge applies to your immigration category. Many immigrants (such as refugees, asylees, U‑visa holders, VAWA applicants, and most current green card holders) are not subject to public charge. 

    • Someone in your household uses benefits that may be considered under the expanded rule after Sept. 18, 2026.

    If you need resources in San Diego: Public Charge Contact List

     

  • What resources are there in San Diego?

     

    Medical Resources 

    Food Resources