Community Education Resources on Public Charge

The Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Campaign is dedicated to providing community-facing materials on public charge to better equip immigrants with what they need to know to make the best decision for themselves and for their families.

Online Public Charge Screening Tool
We encourage you to use this online screening tool with immigrants and those who assist them to understand which immigrants face a public charge test and which benefits are included in the public charge test. The website lists the federal names of the benefit programs, has a separate page with CA-specific information, and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Thanks to our partners at PIF-CA, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Immigration Advocates Network, Probono.net as well as staff at CLASP and NILC for helping make this online tool possible.

Go to https://keepyourbenefits.org/en/na/ (English)
Go to https://keepyourbenefits.org/es/na/ (Spanish)
Go to https://keepyourbenefits.org/cn/na/ (Chinese)
For CA-specific information, go to https://keepyourbenefits.org/en/ca/ (available in English, Spanish, and Chinese)

NOTE: The Trump Administration’s public charge “wealth test” from the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State is being challenged in courts across the country. The messages in the top 2 resources below are accurate under any version of the rules.

Additionally, please keep in mind that on March 13, 2020 USCIS announced that COVID-19 testing, prevention, or treatment would NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Public Charge Messages for Community Members
(Top messages to share with immigrant communities on the recent changes to public charge – PIF)

Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health & Nutrition Programs?
(Use this guide to help answer commonly asked questions about how to make good decisions for your family and their health – PIF)

The following resources were updated in February 2020, after implementation of the DHS and DOS public charge rules.

Public Charge: Does this apply to me?
(How public charge will impact you based on your immigration status, and what you should do – PIF)

You Have Rights – Protect Your Health
(An overview for mixed-status families when it comes to going to the doctor or enrolling in health insurance – PIF)

Immigrant Sponsors and Public Benefits
(Frequently asked questions on access to public benefits for immigrants with sponsors – PIF)

Public Benefits Awareness Toolkit
(Social media and digital toolkit to share more resources included above – PIF)

Please visit the Special Resources Page for links to additional resources created by the PIF Campaign and our partners.