Can Undocumented Immigrants Get SNAP or Medicaid? The Truth About Federal Benefits

Amid widespread misinformation about immigrants, SNAP, Medicaid, and government benefits, it’s critical to know the facts.

Do undocumented immigrants qualify for federal healthcare benefits?

No. Undocumented immigrants do not have access to federally funded healthcare coverage, including Medicaid, Medicare, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Do undocumented immigrants qualify for SNAP benefits?

No, undocumented immigrants are not eligible to receive federal benefits under Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamps program.

Can other immigrants receive SNAP benefits?

Yes, but the majority must wait years before they can qualify. After obtaining a green card, eligible immigrants are subject to a five-year waiting period before they may apply for SNAP assistance, with limited exceptions.

Do undocumented immigrants receive Social Security benefits?

No. Like most federal programs, Social Security is limited to U.S. citizens and specific groups of immigrants with lawful status. While undocumented immigrants paid $26.2 billion into the Social Security Trust Fund in 2023—just one part of the estimated $89.8 billion they paid that year in combined federal, state, and local taxes—most undocumented immigrants will never collect these benefit