snap benefits for non-sponsor spouse

[asdfasdfasdf 20]

hello ive had to start over work-wise since the covid crisis and im finding with my current job i qualify for snap benefits. i am the non-sponsor spouse and the snap application asks for my wife's information despite applying only for myself since i had to include that i was married. Will this negatively affect the AOS? As i understand the new rule considers snap benefits as a public charge but only after 12 months, but I dont want to take a big risk on the AOS.

[Chancy 6,241]

36 minutes ago, asdfasdfasdf said:

i am the non-sponsor spouse

 

Please clarify -- if you are not the sponsoring spouse, then are you the intending immigrant applying for AOS on the basis of marriage to a USC?

 

Edited April 20, 2022 by Chancy

[asdfasdfasdf 20]

i am the petitioner, sorry. i have a co-sponsor.

[Chancy 6,241]

38 minutes ago, asdfasdfasdf said:

i am the petitioner, sorry. i have a co-sponsor.

 

Thanks for the info.  Just to be clear, you as the petitioner will always be your wife's primary sponsor, even if you have a joint sponsor.  To answer your original question, you may claim SNAP benefits without jeopardizing your wife's AOS.

 

Also, here's the official memo about SNAP and public charge -- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/joint-letter-public-charge

Quote

Applying for or receiving SNAP does not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. Applying for or receiving SNAP will not affect your ability to:

• Remain in the United States,
• Get a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status,
• Keep a Green Card/Permanent Legal Resident Status, or
• Become a U.S. Citizen.

You can also apply for SNAP on behalf of the eligible immigrants or U.S. citizens in your family, even if you do not want to apply for benefits for yourself, without affecting your or their immigration status.

 

Edited April 20, 2022 by Chancy

[asdfasdfasdf 20]

okay thank you! thats the info i was looking for 👍