This table lists the state-funded programs that provide nutrition assistance to immigrants who are not eligible for coverage under the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Unless otherwise noted, state-funded assistance is provided at the federal SNAP benefit level.
| State | Eligible Immigrants |
|---|---|
| California | “Qualified” immigrants, lawful temporary residents, survivors of trafficking, U visa applicants, and U visa holders. Eligibility for this program may be affected by deeming. Lawful permanent residents, adults paroled into the U.S. (during first 5 years), “qualified” battered immigrants, lawful temporary residents, survivors of trafficking, U visa applicants, and U visa holders (including derivative relatives), and potentially Special Immigrant Juveniles. Eligibility for this program may be affected by deeming. By October 2027, individuals 55 years and older will be eligible, regardless of their immigration status. |
| Illinois | Individuals and derivative family members with a pending or approved application for T or U status. Persons with a pending or approved application for asylum may also be eligible if they have a derivative family member. |
| Maine | Immigrants who are ineligible for federal food stamps (SNAP) due to the 1996 federal welfare law, H.R. 1, and certain PRUCOLs, including qualified immigrants, applicants for asylum or withholding of removal, granted Temporary Protected Status, and Special Immigrant Juveniles. Individuals applying after July 1, 2011, must meet hardship criteria. This includes exceptions for seniors, people with disabilities, survivors of domestic violence or trafficking, people waiting for work authorization, and those granted work authorization who are seeking employment. |
| Minnesota | Immigrants 50 years or older who are ineligible for SNAP due solely to the 1996 welfare law may be eligible for the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP). Lawfully residing immigrants who are receiving TANF may be eligible for the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP, the state’s TANF program combines cash and food assistance.) Must take steps toward citizenship. Eligibility for these programs may be affected by deeming. |
| New Mexico | $12 million allocated for a one-time payment equal to six months of the household’s average SNAP benefit, for “qualified” immigrants whose SNAP benefits cannot be renewed in 2026, due to H.R. 1’s immigrant eligibility restrictions. |
| Washington | “Qualified” immigrants, PRUCOLs, and lawfully present immigrants. Eligibility for this program may be affected by deeming. “Qualified” immigrants, PRUCOLs, and lawfully present immigrants. Eligibility for this program may be affected by deeming. Survivors of trafficking or other serious crimes and asylum applicants who have filed or are preparing to file applications for T or U status, ORR certification, or asylum are also eligible. |
Key Terms Used in Table:
“Qualified” immigrants are: (1) lawful permanent residents (LPRs); (2) refugees, asylees, persons granted withholding of deportation/removal, conditional entry (in effect prior to Apr. 1, 1980), or paroled into the U.S. for at least one year; (3) Cuban/Haitian entrants (as defined in 45 C.F.R. § 401.2); (4) battered spouses and children with a pending or approved (a) self-petition for an immigrant visa, or (b) immigrant visa filed for a spouse or child by a U.S. citizen or LPR, or (c) application for cancellation of removal/suspension of deportation, whose need for benefits has a substantial connection to the battery or cruelty. Parent/child of such battered child/spouse are also “qualified”; (5) victims of trafficking and their derivative beneficiaries who have obtained a T visa or whose application for a T visa sets forth a prima facie case. (A broader group of trafficking survivors who are certified by or receive an eligibility letter from the Office of Refugee Resettlement are eligible for federal benefits to the same extent as refugees); and (6) Citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau who reside in the U.S. pursuant to a Compact of Free Association (COFA).
“PRUCOL” or permanently residing in the U.S. under color of law – is not an immigration status, but a benefit eligibility category. The term, which generally means that the Department of Homeland Security is aware of a person’s presence but has no plans to deport/remove the person from the country, has been interpreted differently depending on the benefit program and jurisdiction.
Deeming – in some cases, a sponsor’s income and/or resources may be added to the immigrant’s in determining eligibility. Exemptions from deeming may apply.
Note: The information in this table is subject to change. Please check with your state or local social services agency or legal assistance office regarding the most current rules.
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