What Are Benefits As An Immigrant In The United States?

The United States is often referred to as a “melting hotpot” due to its diverse population that is made up of people from different backgrounds. In most cases, the benefits of immigration in this country can outweigh the costs as a settler, let’s discover them in this article!

1. Living Expenses Subsidy

The amount of financial aid from the US government varies based on one's living situation and family size. They provide assistance for certain living expenses such as telephone, heating and cooling utilities, and water. As an investor, this can be a beneficial grant for during challenging business times at the moment. Not only the government but non-profit organizations and community resources also support immigrants with living expenses subsidies.

2. Public Housing Subsidy

Local housing authorities oversee public housing programs that seek to offer secure and reasonably priced housing options to low-income residents, including immigrants. These benefits can assist in lowering the rent expenses, making housing more financially feasible for those who meet the criteria. 

For qualified immigrants who entered the US on or after August 22, 1996, all of them are eligible for public housing applications, except for certain Cuban/Haitian entrants. “If at least one member of the household is eligible based on immigration status, the family may reside in the housing, but the subsidy will be prorated.”

3. Medical Assistance

The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a program that offers financial aid to children whose families are unable to afford standard insurance for hospital fees. 

Source: Collected

For adults, the US government offers support through the Medicaid programs such as Emergency Medicaid, Full-scope Medicaid, Medicare “Premium Free” Part A, and Premium “Buy-in” Medicare, etc. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific income requirements.

4. Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program offered in the United States that offers financial aid to people who are elderly, visually impaired, or disabled and have a restricted income and resources. Immigrants may qualify for SSI benefits if they fulfill specific conditions. There are also some general requirements that must be met.

General requirements:

  • Lawfully present in the United States.

  • Granted permanent residency or asylum.

  • A refugee or have certain other eligible immigration statuses.

5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the most widely utilized in the social programs of the US government targeting children, adults, and seniors. SNAP provides food stamps for families to purchase groceries. Some states have state-funded food stamp programs with additional eligibility requirements for immigrants, and these eligibility requirements may vary from state to state.

As for children, there are several programs specifically such as the School Breakfast Program, School Lunch Program, and School Milk Program. For information about SNAP and eligibility requirements, you can learn more by visiting their website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap.

6. Employment Subsidy Program

The US government aids individuals without jobs through unemployment benefits and educational programs. 

One prominent program is from the federal government-funded One-stop Career Centers, which provide career training, ESL classes, career counseling, job listings, and other employment-related services. For entrepreneurs, the government offers various business support initiatives to facilitate the process of starting a new business.