Know Your Rights

NOTE: As of March 9, 2021, the Trump-era Department of Homeland Security public charge regulations no longer exist or apply. All materials on this page have been updated to reflect current public charge policy guidance that went into effect in March 2021. This guidance makes it clear that the use of most public benefits programs, such as health, nutrition, and housing programs, will not have an impact on an individual’s immigration status. That includes, especially, testing, vaccination, and care for COVID-19.

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

  • The ABCs of Public Charge – Use this guide to answer questions according to the ABCs of public charge: who public charge APPLIES to, which BENEFITS are considered, and the totality of CIRCUMSTANCES. (PIF)

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.