Forgot to change address and food stamps

[Samanthajayne 0]

I could really use some advice, when filling i used my in laws address, and didnt know I had to change my address, as I still have my things there, however we have been renting a one bedroom apartment, where we recieve our bills, etc.

I have just read that its a crime to not report changes within 10 days.. What should I do.

Also I recently had a baby, and with the economy we are going through hard times, hubby just got laid off. I work. Can I apply for food stamps?

Ive been a permanent resident a year.

Thanks

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Report your change of address as soon as possible --- you can do it online. Your husband has to also file an I-865 for the same purpose.

I believe the food stamps are a public tested benefit -- you can apply but perhaps your sponsor would have to repay said benefits. I am not sure. Google is your friend in these cases

[Bobby+Umit 161]

I could really use some advice, when filling i used my in laws address, and didnt know I had to change my address, as I still have my things there, however we have been renting a one bedroom apartment, where we recieve our bills, etc.

I have just read that its a crime to not report changes within 10 days.. What should I do.

Also I recently had a baby, and with the economy we are going through hard times, hubby just got laid off. I work. Can I apply for food stamps?

Ive been a permanent resident a year.

Thanks

Yes, you should change your address ASAP. Not doing it will only cause you more problems.

On the issue of food stamps:

1 - I have a “green card.” Am I eligible for food stamps?

If you have a green card, you are a Legal Permanent Resident or an “LPR.” Many LPRs who are low income are eligible for food stamps. Some LPR adults need to have 5 years in legal status before they qualify for food stamps.

But, there is no 5-year wait for LPR adults who receive a disability-based benefit (like EAEDC, TAFDC, or MassHealth for disabled people). There is no 5 year wait for LPRs who have a special work history. (Consult an advocate if questions about work history.) If you are an LPR adult who was sponsored, see Question 7.

7 - What if I was sponsored by a relative?

Some immigrants get their LPR status through a family member (sponsor) – who may have signed a contract (an affidavit of support) agreeing to support them. Sometimes these sponsors fail to keep up their end of the bargain.

Under the food stamp rules, the sponsor’s income and assets may be counted to LPR adults – even if you don’t get any money. This is called “sponsor deeming.” There are important exceptions to this sponsor deeming rule, including if your sponsor has died, if you are battered or if you have enough work history in the U.S. (this includes work done by your spouse during marriage and parents while you were under 18). There is also NO sponsor deeming to LPR or U.S. citizen children.

8 - If I was sponsored, can I apply for my kids only?

YES. You can just apply for food stamps for your children and other family members who were not sponsored. If you decide to not apply for yourself, you don’t need to give any information about your sponsor, and the sponsor’s income is not deemed. You will still need to give information about any income you earn or receive, and household expenses. It is also important to give DTA information about your own immigration status and SSN because you may get higher benefits for your children.

source: Food stamps lpr

Edited May 5, 2009 by Bobby_Umit

[It's me 1]

Report your change of address as soon as possible --- you can do it online. Your husband has to also file an I-865 for the same purpose.

I believe the food stamps are a public tested benefit -- you can apply but perhaps your sponsor would have to repay said benefits. I am not sure. Google is your friend in these cases

I agree with Len, Change your address asap. I would seriously thing hard about anything that would cause your sponser to suffer financially. You should talk to your sponser about this food stamp thing so that there wont be any surprises later, Oh, i see that Bobby has added some good concrete information

Edited May 5, 2009 by IamGodsProperty

[Eshansmommy 2]

I'm not sure if you would be eligible to receive foodstamps, because you are not a citizen. I know I'm not. BUT, my husband and our 2 kids did qualify so we get foodstamps and cash assistance for them. At our interview, the lady asked me the question if I ever received gov aid and I told her, I receive gov aid for my kids and husband. And she said, in that case, that's okay then, because they are citizens and have the right to get it. So let him apply and put it in his name, until you are sure that it can't harm you or your immigration procedure.

[YuAndDan 153]

Firstly both green-card holder AND sponsor need to file address changes. File them ASAP

Green-card holdrr files an AR-11, and sponsor files I-865.

Note the I-864 is filed by sponsor so that if the sponsored immigrant uses Means Tested benefits, the sponsor will be held responsible to repay the government for the benefits used. Food stamps are "Means Tested"

The US citizen spouse if unemployed can get food stamps, however the green-card holder should not.

http://www.nilc.org/immspbs/fnutr/foodnutr002.htm

[Bobby+Umit 161]

This is specific to CA - but interesting reading none the less.

California Food Stamp Program

and more info:

non-citizen guidance from the FNS.gov

Edited May 5, 2009 by Bobby_Umit