Laid Off, Collecting UI Benefits with Expired Green Card

[MatthewP 0]

Hi all,

 

I filed my i-751 in November and received my extension letter in the mail extending the expiration date of my green card until 2025.

My physical card expires on 02/08 of this year. I got laid off from my job this week. I am not terribly familiar with the public charge policy USCIS has, but I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience with filing for UI benefits during this weird interim period where you green card is expired but you have a USCIS extension? I have read that UI benefits are also not included in the public charge policy and that immigrant applications are not penalized for enrolling in UI benefits.

Any experience, insight or advice is super appreciated!

Thanks!

[Dashinka 24,480]

I do not believe unemployment benefits are counted as a public charge hit.  The link provides some good insight.

 

Good Luck!

 

https://cilawgroup.com/news/2020/03/30/public-charge-overview-and-description-are-unemployment-benefits-permitted/

[MatthewP 0]

4 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

I do not believe unemployment benefits are counted as a public charge hit.  The link provides some good insight.

 

Good Luck!

 

https://cilawgroup.com/news/2020/03/30/public-charge-overview-and-description-are-unemployment-benefits-permitted/

Super helpful, thank you!

[Mike E 11,739]

With 100 percent certainty, I can say that UI is not public charge  

[Akipog 54]

My husband got UI benefits when he got laid off during Covid. We didn't run into any problems. He had his green card at the time.

[aznhouston 130]

It shouldn't be counted as one because your employer paid for it during your employment. It's something you are entitled to, not a government handout.