Public Charge

[keweul 1]

Quick question (didn't know where to post this so i'm asking my fellow AOS ppl for advice)...I just got approved (dec 4) and we're going to apply for heating assistance here in NJ...trying to decide who should be "applicant" me or hubby...would me applying for energy assistance be considered "public charge"?

I'm not sure what they consider "public charge"...thanks for your help...

[Skyler 0]

I think the USC should apply for it, because I think it may be any government assistance that could mean you are a public charge. Although since you are now married, it may not matter who applies for it. You could also look for help with a non-governmental agency. Just my thoughts, though, I don´t know for sure.

[keweul 1]

ok thx...just curious...what happens to the "new resident" IF they became public charge...(how would this affect their residency)? just my opinion, I think government agencies should make it clear on the applications whether or not this would be considered public charge (I know most medicaid progams do that, at least the ones out here in NJ)

[canadian_wife 1,785]

From the United States Department of Health and Human Services

"Determination that a person is a "public charge", under U.S. immigration law, has been used as a grounds for inadmissability and deportation of immigrants for many years."

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/policy/pal9925.htm

This site also said that "Emergency assistance, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program" is NOT considered a public charge.

[keweul 1]

From the United States Department of Health and Human Services

"Determination that a person is a "public charge", under U.S. immigration law, has been used as a grounds for inadmissability and deportation of immigrants for many years."

http://bphc.hrsa.gov/policy/pal9925.htm

This site also said that "Emergency assistance, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program" is NOT considered a public charge.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU very helpful and puts my mind to rest phew...don't wanna do anything to jeapordize what I worked/waited so hard to get LOL

[mimimimimi 0]

USCIS Link to Public Charge description, FAQ, etc:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Quick question (didn't know where to post this so i'm asking my fellow AOS ppl for advice)...I just got approved (dec 4) and we're going to apply for heating assistance here in NJ...trying to decide who should be "applicant" me or hubby...would me applying for energy assistance be considered "public charge"?

I'm not sure what they consider "public charge"...thanks for your help...

[mimimimimi 0]

so, from USCIS website, I think you can apply for the energy program.

"An alien will not be considered a "public charge" for using:

- HEALTH CARE BENEFITS, including programs such as Medicaid, the Children’s

Health Insurance Program (CHIP), prenatal care, or other free or low-cost medical

care at clinics, health centers, or other settings (other than long-term care in a nursing

home or similar institution)

- FOOD PROGRAMS, such as Food Stamps, WIC (the Special Supplemental

Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), school meals, or other food

assistance

- OTHER PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT GIVE CASH, such as public housing,

child care, energy assistance, disaster relief, Head Start, or job training or counseling

Edited December 9, 2008 by mimigrant

[keweul 1]

thanks, this is very helpful...seeing as our heating & electri bill is already past $230 for the month (and winter just started) and help paying it would be great...(my hubby is the only one working at the moment, until I find something of course)