If you are an immigrant who just arrived in New York City, you might qualify for public benefits. This includes help with money and medical care. You do NOT need to be a US citizen or have a green card to get these benefits:
- Cash assistance provides you with some money twice a month so you can buy things you need, like toiletries and clothes.
- Medicaid pays for your medical care, like going to the doctor or getting medications.
- WIC helps parents, infants and children buy things they need, like baby formula or cereal.
Will public benefits hurt my immigration case?
- Applying for WIC and Medicaid should NOT harm your immigration status
- Applying for cash assistance will not automatically make you a “public charge". (The "public charge" rule is about qualifying for a family-based green card if you depend on certain benefits)
- The “public charge” rule does not apply to asylees, refugees, VAWA self-petitioners, U-visa and T-visa holders; special immigrant juveniles; and certain individuals paroled into the U.S.
- Most immigrants do not even qualify for public benefits that make a person a “public charge.”
How do I apply?
If you live in New York City, click "learn more" for instructions on how to apply. If you want to apply online, go to https://access.nyc.gov/ to learn about what benefits you might qualify for and to fill out the applications. Outside of New York City, go to the New York State site. (That website is hard to understand.)
Last Reviewed: April 2, 2025