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Public Charge
Public Charge is a rule immigration officials use to approve or deny a family-based application* for a green card (lawful permanent residency or LPR status), or certain other visas. Immigration officials use the term “public charge” to refer to people who are likely to become dependent on the government for support.
THE FINAL PUBLIC CHARGE RULE clarifies that immigrants can access many vital public benefits, including health care, food and housing support, without fear of immigration consequences. Every family is different, and while the Public Charge Test may make you nervous, you can use our Public Charge roadmap to stay informed.
An Informed Community Is A Strong Community
Health 4 All: Medi-Cal Expansion
Starting January 1, 2024 all income-eligible Californians qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits REGARDLESS OF AGE OR IMMIGRATION STATUS. If you are already enrolled in emergency or restricted scope Medi-Cal, you will be automatically enrolled into full-scope Medi-Cal. To learn more about the expansion you can download the Immigrant Health Coverage Fact Sheet that The Children’s Partnership and community partners from the CA-PIF coalition created. Share this resource with your communities!
Keep Your Benefits
Rules about public benefits and immigrants are confusing. But benefits can help your family stay healthy and thrive. Learn more about how public benefits could affect different types of immigration statuses at
Free Assistance with Public Charge
For a list of legal organizations that can provide free assistance with public charge and immigration visit:
Additional Resources
Over the last year and a half, we have worked with national, state and local partners to advocate against changes to the public charge rule, stay updated, create supportive messaging and tools, and educate and empower families. Our materials are based on verified information developed by our partners. You can learn more from visiting the sites below.
