SNAP and AOS

[shawnsta 1]

Random question: please no judgements **

I came across to the US on k1 visa with a co sponser (my father in law) cause my spouse is way below poverty line. 
I've already sent in my AOS paperwork and waiting for biometrics. 

Looking to see if anyone has been through this. My spouse has 4 kids and would like to apply for food stamps (SNAP) until I can get working. 

My questions based on what I read on google: 
It says that it won't alter my AOS application but it says that we need to cancel food stamps once I get my greencard ?? Or else they will charge the co sponser in the amount of the food stamps. 
My spouse put me as part of the household and it asked me for my i94 info living in the house. ( when he filled out the SNAP application)

Just wanted to see if anyone has had to do this before?? Did it mess anything up? I didn't think of it until after he applied. Should we revoke his application? 
Looking for input !

Edited April 4 by shawnsta

[SalishSea 17,827]

4 minutes ago, shawnsta said:

Random question: please no judgements **

I came across to the US on k1 visa with a co sponser (my father in law) cause my spouse is way below poverty line. 
I've already sent in my AOS paperwork and waiting for biometrics. 

Looking to see if anyone has been through this. My spouse has 4 kids and would like to apply for food stamps (SNAP) until I can get working. 

My questions based on what I read on google: 
It says that it won't alter my AOS application but it says that we need to cancel food stamps once I get my greencard ?? Or else they will charge the co sponser in the amount of the food stamps. 
My spouse put me as part of the household and it asked me for my i94 info living in the house. ( when he filled out the SNAP application)

Just wanted to see if anyone has had to do this before?? Did it mess anything up? I didn't think of it until after he applied. Should we revoke his application? 
Looking for input !

The children (USCs, right?) are definitely eligible for SNAP.  They may also be eligible for WIC, have you looked into that?

 

I will let others address the other part of your question, but I don't believe food assistance is included in the umbrella of means-tested benefits.

[shawnsta 1]

5 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

The children (USCs, right?) are definitely eligible for SNAP.  They may also be eligible for WIC, have you looked into that?

 

I will let others address the other part of your question, but I don't believe food assistance is included in the umbrella of means-tested benefits.

The children are all his (us citizens) yes, but they asked for info of anyone living in the household. So I just want to make sure that won't alter my greencard application 

[SalishSea 17,827]

Just now, shawnsta said:

The children are all his (us citizens) yes, but they asked for info of anyone living in the household. So I just want to make sure that won't alter my greencard application 

I think you are fine.  I'm trying to think of someone to tag who will know for sure.....  @Redro maybe?

[Redro 4,611]

5 minutes ago, shawnsta said:

The children are all his (us citizens) yes, but they asked for info of anyone living in the household. So I just want to make sure that won't alter my greencard application 

Always go to the source:

Q: What public assistance programs does USCIS not consider?

A: Generally, we do not consider noncash benefits in making public charge determinations. The only noncash benefit we consider is long-term institutionalization at government expense. We also do not consider special-purpose cash assistance that is not intended for income maintenance.

For example, USCIS does not consider any of the following public benefits when making a public charge determination:

Nutrition programs

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other nutrition programs
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• School lunch and school breakfast programs
• Benefits under the Emergency Food Assistance Act (TEFAP)
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

 

ETA: You’ll be fine. The US doesn’t want you and your family to go hungry. additionally, I find some food assistance programs (like free lunches) are offered to entire schools if a certain percentage of students qualify. 

Edited April 4 by Redro

[SalishSea 17,827]

6 minutes ago, Redro said:

Always go to the source:

Q: What public assistance programs does USCIS not consider?

A: Generally, we do not consider noncash benefits in making public charge determinations. The only noncash benefit we consider is long-term institutionalization at government expense. We also do not consider special-purpose cash assistance that is not intended for income maintenance.

For example, USCIS does not consider any of the following public benefits when making a public charge determination:

Nutrition programs

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or other nutrition programs
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• School lunch and school breakfast programs
• Benefits under the Emergency Food Assistance Act (TEFAP)
• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

 

ETA: You’ll be fine. The US doesn’t want you and your family to go hungry. additionally, I find some food assistance programs (like free lunches) are offered to entire schools if a certain percentage of students qualify. 

Thank  you for coming through when I was far too lazy to google it!   😅

[Redro 4,611]

1 minute ago, SalishSea said:

Thank  you for coming through when I was far too lazy to google it!   😅

🤣🤣🤣 I posted then read your comment… I don’t want people thinking they  have to choose between  food (SNAP, WIC or free lunch at school for their family) vs status in the U.S. That’s just a horrifying thought. 
 

[SalishSea 17,827]

Just now, Redro said:

🤣🤣🤣 I posted then read your comment… I don’t want people thinking they  have to choose between  food (SNAP, WIC or free lunch at school for their family) vs status in the U.S. That’s just a horrifying thought. 
 

Totally agree.  Those programs are there to be used by people who need them.

[shawnsta 1]

4 minutes ago, Redro said:

🤣🤣🤣 I posted then read your comment… I don’t want people thinking they  have to choose between  food (SNAP, WIC or free lunch at school for their family) vs status in the U.S. That’s just a horrifying thought. 
 

Thank you so so much for your fast reply! I had anxiety after my spouse applied thinking it may alter my greencard application!!

3 minutes ago, SalishSea said:

Totally agree.  Those programs are there to be used by people who need them.

Thank you so much for helping and tagging others to help answer. I appreciate your help!!

[Family 3,988]

15 minutes ago, Redro said:

🤣🤣🤣 I posted then read your comment… I don’t want people thinking they  have to choose between  food (SNAP, WIC or free lunch at school for their family) vs status in the U.S. That’s just a horrifying thought. 
 

Just for historical context in 2019 that was exactly the case …so it’s safe for now and if administration doesn’t change . 
That is not however applicable to the USC stepchildren ..just to the alien applicant. 
‘But  both USCIS and DOS had very very different way of “.looking “ at the “totality” and all that jazz 

 

https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/fact-sheet/public-charge-policies-for-immigrants-implications-for-health-coverage/

 

Under the rule, officials will newly consider use of certain previously excluded programs, including non-emergency Medicaid for non-pregnant adults, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and several housing programs, in public charge determinations

 

Edited April 4 by Family

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Topic moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures ***

[discoverusa 258]

38 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

*** Topic moved from Progress Reports to Process Procedures ***

All household members will have to be listed on the application even the undocumented or individuals who are pending AOS. When snap benefits are granted you will be disqualified from snap case due to non-eligible immigration status. This has no bearing on your AOS because you are not the one who will be receiving the benefits. 

 

When you start working your income will be deemed (percentage), but you still won't be eligible for snap until after 5 years as an LPR.