SNAP & Immigration Status

Depending on your immigration status, you may or may not be eligible for SNAP. Learn more about how your immigration status affects your SNAP eligibility below.

Eligible for SNAP

  • Refugees

  • Asylees

  • Victims of trafficking

  • Cuban or Haitian entrants

  • Amerasian immigrants

  • Hmong or Highland Lao tribal member

  • Those granted withholding of removal

  • Special immigrants from Iraq & Afghanistan

  • Non-citizen American Indian

Immediately

Eligible for SNAP

  • Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders)

  • Conditional entrants

  • Paroled for one year or more

  • Individuals from Ukraine granted humanitarian parole

  • Victims of spousal or child abuse

After Five Years

  • Undocumented immigrants

  • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients

  • Those on student, work, or diplomatic visas

Ineligible for SNAP

Is it safe to receive SNAP as an immigrant?

Under current regulations, SNAP does not count towards public charge tests.

In May 2025, the federal government requested the personal data of individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Washington state, including social security numbers. Washington state intends to deny this request and keep your personal information safe, though we encourage households with immigration concerns to consult an immigration attorney before applying for SNAP.

“I am not eligible for SNAP, but my family needs help with groceries.”

If you are not eligible for SNAP because of your immigration status, you can apply and receive benefits on behalf of household members who are eligible.

For example, if you are undocumented but have children who are U.S. citizens, your family can receive SNAP.

At this time, SNAP is not considered for “public charge” tests. If you have concerns about applying to SNAP, consult with an immigration attorney about your specific case.

The State Food Assistance Program

If you are a legal resident who meets all SNAP eligibility criteria except the immigration requirements, you are eligible for the State Food Assistance Program (FAP).

Through this program, you will receive the same amount of money for groceries each month as you would if you were enrolled in SNAP. Households can receive both SNAP and FAP depending on the status of each individual family member.

Have Questions About Your Eligibility?

The SNAP guidelines around immigration can be confusing! If you have questions about how your status affects your SNAP eligibility, call the Family Food Hotline today. You will be connected to a trained specialist who can answer your questions and help you through the application process.

Available Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm and Fridays 8:00am - 5:00pm

Last updated: May 29, 2025