Many families across the United States, whether they were born here or immigrated from another country, sometimes need a little help to make ends meet and put healthy food on the table. Life can bring unexpected challenges, like a job loss or a family crisis, and during these times, government programs can provide important support. The main program for food assistance in the U.S. is officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. You may know it by its older name, the “Food Stamp Program”.
For immigrants, and especially for those who hold a Green Card, understanding the rules for programs like SNAP can seem complicated and even a little scary. The regulations can be confusing, and it’s easy to worry about whether applying for help could affect your immigration status. This guide is here to help. It is designed to walk you through the rules for Green Card holders and SNAP in a clear, step-by-step way. Its purpose is to give you the information you need to understand your options and feel more confident about seeking the support your family may be eligible for.
The Short Answer: Yes, But There Are Rules
To answer the main question directly: Yes, in many cases, a Green Card holder can get SNAP benefits to help buy food. However, eligibility is not automatic and depends on a specific set of rules created by federal law.
The most important thing to understand is that there is a general rule and a set of important exceptions.
- The General Rule: The Five-Year Waiting Period. For most adults who are Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), there is a five-year waiting period. This means they must hold their Green Card or another “qualified” immigration status for five years before they can become eligible for federal SNAP benefits, even if their income is low enough to qualify.
- The Exceptions: Getting Help Sooner. Recognizing that the waiting period could cause hardship, the government has created several crucial exceptions to this rule. Many Green Card holders can get SNAP without waiting five years if they fall into a specific category. These exceptions are for groups like children under 18, individuals receiving disability benefits, those with a U.S. military connection, or people with a certain amount of work history in the U.S..
The rest of this guide will explain this framework in detail. It will help you see if the five-year waiting period applies to you and, if it does, whether you might qualify for one of the important exceptions.
Understanding the Basics: Green Cards and Food Stamps
Before diving into the detailed rules, it’s helpful to be clear on what a “Green Card holder” is and how the SNAP program works. Knowing these basic terms will make the rest of the information easier to understand.
What Is a Green Card Holder?
A Green Card holder is another name for a Lawful Permanent Resident, or LPR. This is a person who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives this person a permanent resident card, which is commonly called a “Green Card,” as proof of their status.
People can get a Green Card in several ways, most often through sponsorship by a family member or an employer, or by being a refugee or asylee. As an LPR, a person has many of the same rights as a U.S. citizen, such as the right to own property, get financial aid for college, and join the U.S. Armed Forces.
It is important to know that while the physical Green Card has an expiration date on it (usually every 10 years) and must be renewed, a person’s status as a Lawful Permanent Resident does not expire. That permanent status is valid unless it is officially taken away or the person chooses to abandon it.
What Are Food Stamps (SNAP)?
“Food stamps” is the common name for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is the largest and most important anti-hunger program in the United States, helping millions of low-income people afford a healthy diet every month.
The program doesn’t use paper “stamps” anymore. Instead, households that are found to be eligible receive a plastic card called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Every month, the household’s SNAP benefits are loaded onto the card. This card can then be used to buy groceries—like bread, fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products—at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and even some farmers markets. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, or non-food items like soap and paper products.
SNAP is a federal program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, it is run by state and local agencies. This is a key point to understand, because it means that while the main eligibility rules are the same across the country, the application process, forms, and some specific procedures can be different from state to state.
The Main Hurdle: The Five-Year Waiting Period
The biggest and most common rule that affects Green Card holders seeking SNAP benefits is the five-year waiting period. This rule was created as part of a major federal law in 1996 called the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). Before this law, most lawfully residing non-citizens could get SNAP benefits under the same rules as citizens. The 1996 law changed this and created new restrictions for many immigrants.
The rule states that most adult “qualified aliens,” a category that includes Lawful Permanent Residents, must have their status for five years before they can be eligible for federal SNAP benefits. This five-year “clock” starts on the date a person is granted their LPR status or another qualified immigration status. For many adults who recently received their Green Card, this waiting period is the primary reason they may not be able to get federal SNAP right away, even if their income is very low.
It is helpful to think of this waiting period as the default rule for most adult Green Card holders. However, the story does not end here. Over the years, particularly with laws like the 2002 Farm Bill, the government recognized that this rule created significant hardship for vulnerable people. As a result, Congress created a number of very important exceptions. The next section is dedicated to explaining these exceptions, as they provide a pathway for many LPRs to receive food assistance much sooner.
Getting SNAP Sooner: Important Exceptions to the Five-Year Wait
While the five-year waiting period is the general rule for many adult Green Card holders, there are several important exceptions. If you or a member of your household fits into one of these categories, you may be able to get SNAP benefits without waiting five years. It is critical to check if any of these apply to your situation.
Exception 1: Children and Teens Under 18
This is one of the most significant and straightforward exceptions. Lawful Permanent Resident children under the age of 18 are exempt from the five-year waiting period.
This means that if a child has a Green Card and their household meets the other SNAP rules, like the income limits, they can get SNAP benefits right away. This exception was created to protect the health and nutrition of immigrant children. A parent who is not eligible themselves (perhaps because they are still in the five-year waiting period) can and should apply on behalf of their eligible children.
It’s important to note that once the child turns 18, their eligibility will be looked at again based on the rules for adults. At that point, they might become subject to the five-year waiting period unless they qualify for another exception.
Exception 2: Individuals Receiving Disability Benefits
Another crucial exception is for Lawful Permanent Residents of any age who are receiving certain disability-related benefits. If an LPR receives payments or assistance because of a disability, they do not have to wait five years to be eligible for SNAP.
The term “disability benefits” covers more than just Social Security. To be exempt from the five-year wait, an LPR must be receiving one of the specific types of assistance listed in the table below. This is a key detail, as someone might not realize the benefit they receive qualifies them for this exception. The list includes federal and state benefits, as well as those for veterans.
| Qualifying Disability Benefits for SNAP Exemption |
| Benefit Name |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
| Social Security Disability or Blindness Payments |
| State-Level Disability or Blindness Payments |
| Government Disability Retirement Benefits |
| Railroad Retirement Disability Annuity |
| Veteran’s Disability Benefits |
| Benefits for a Veteran’s Survivor |
Exception 3: Having a U.S. Work History (40 Quarters)
An LPR can be exempt from the five-year wait if they can be credited with 40 “qualifying quarters” of work in the United States. A “quarter” is a three-month period, so 40 quarters is roughly equal to 10 years of work.
While this may sound like a high bar, the rules for counting these quarters are very flexible and are a critical, often overlooked, pathway to eligibility. An applicant does not need to have worked for 10 years themselves. Instead, they can combine quarters from different people to reach the 40-quarter total. An LPR can count:
- Their own quarters of work performed in the U.S.
- Quarters worked by their spouse during their marriage. These quarters can still be counted even if the spouse has passed away, but they generally cannot be counted after a divorce.
- Quarters worked by their parents before the applicant turned 18. This includes work the parents did even before the applicant was born or came to the U.S..
This flexibility means that a young adult LPR who has not worked much in the U.S. might immediately qualify for SNAP based on their parents’ work history. Similarly, a non-working LPR spouse might qualify based on their working spouse’s history. The SNAP office can help verify this work history with the Social Security Administration, and they may even provide temporary benefits for up to six months while the proof is being gathered.
Exception 4: Military Families
A special exemption from the five-year wait exists for LPRs who have a connection to the U.S. military. This is in recognition of their service to the country. This exception applies to:
- Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with an honorable discharge.
- Individuals on active duty in the U.S. military (this does not include active duty for training purposes).
- The spouses and unmarried dependent children of U.S. veterans or active-duty service members.
Exception 5: LPRs Who Previously Held Humanitarian Status
Many people become Lawful Permanent Residents after first being in the U.S. under a different humanitarian status. If an LPR previously held a status like refugee or asylee, they are generally not subject to the five-year waiting period. The time they spent in that initial status counts, and these statuses are exempt from the wait from the beginning.
Key humanitarian statuses that are eligible for SNAP without a waiting period include:
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Individuals granted withholding of deportation
- Cuban or Haitian entrants
- Victims of human trafficking who have been certified by the Department of Health and Human Services
- Certain Amerasian immigrants
- Certain Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders
If an individual held one of these statuses and then adjusted to become an LPR, they retain their exemption from the five-year bar.
Meeting the General Rules: What Everyone Needs to Qualify
Passing the immigration test is just the first step. To receive SNAP, a Green Card holder who is not subject to the five-year bar (or who has met it) must also meet the same standard eligibility requirements that apply to all other applicants, including U.S. citizens. These rules are mainly about a household’s financial situation.
This structure mirrors the way a caseworker determines eligibility. First, they check if a person is allowed to apply based on their immigration status. Second, they check if the household meets the financial requirements. An applicant must pass through both of these “gates” to be approved for benefits.
Income Limits
SNAP is a program for people and families with low incomes. To qualify, a household’s income must be below certain limits set by the federal government. These limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level and are updated each year. There are two main income tests:
- Gross Monthly Income: This is a household’s total income before any taxes or deductions are taken out. For most households, the gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the poverty line.
- Net Monthly Income: This is the income left over after certain allowed deductions (like for housing costs or childcare) are subtracted. A household’s net income must be at or below 100% of the poverty line.
Households with a person who is elderly (age 60 or older) or disabled often only have to meet the net income test. The table below shows the income limits for the 2025 federal fiscal year (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025).
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Income (100% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,632 | $1,255 |
| 2 | $2,215 | $1,704 |
| 3 | $2,798 | $2,152 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $2,600 |
| 5 | $3,963 | $3,049 |
| 6 | $4,546 | $3,497 |
| 7 | $5,129 | $3,945 |
| 8 | $5,712 | $4,394 |
Resource (Asset) Limits
In addition to income, there are also limits on a household’s “resources,” or assets. Resources include things like cash and money in a bank account. For fiscal year 2025, the limits are:
- $3,000 for most households.
- $4,500 for households that include at least one member who is age 60 or older or has a disability.
Importantly, many key assets are not counted toward this limit. The SNAP rules do not count the value of your home and its lot, the resources of people who receive SSI or TANF benefits, or most retirement and pension plans.
Work Requirements
SNAP also has work requirements for most able-bodied adults who do not have dependents. These rules are meant to ensure that people who are able to work are doing so or are looking for work. The general requirements for adults aged 16-59 include :
- Registering for work.
- Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours without a good reason.
- Taking a suitable job if one is offered.
- Participating in state employment and training programs if assigned.
There is also a special time limit for “able-bodied adults without dependents” (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18 and 54. This group is generally limited to three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period unless they are working or participating in a work program for at least 80 hours a month.
However, many people are exempt from these work requirements, including those who are physically or mentally unable to work, pregnant, caring for a child under age 6, or already working at least 30 hours a week.
How to Apply for SNAP: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have determined that you might be eligible for SNAP, the next step is to apply. The application process can feel intimidating, but breaking it down into steps can make it much more manageable.
Finding Your Local SNAP Office & How to Apply
Because SNAP is run by the states, you must apply in the state where you currently live. Each state has its own application form and process. The best way to start is to search online for ” SNAP office” or ” food assistance.” This will usually lead you to the website for your state’s Department of Human Services or Social Services.
Most states offer several ways to submit an application :
- Online: This is often the fastest and easiest way. Many states have a website where you can complete and submit the entire application electronically.
- In Person: You can go to your local county social services office to pick up and submit a paper application.
- By Mail or Fax: You can also mail or fax a completed paper application to your local office.
You have the right to be given an application on the same day you ask for one, and the office must accept your application as long as it has your name, address, and signature.
The Interview: What to Expect
After you submit your application, the SNAP office will schedule an interview with you, which must happen within 30 days. This interview is a normal part of the process and is used to review the information on your application and ask any clarifying questions.
In most cases, this interview can be done over the phone, so you may not need to go to the office in person. This is your opportunity to make sure the caseworker has all the correct information about your household, income, and expenses.
Essential Documents to Prepare
When you apply, you will need to provide proof, or “verification,” of the information you give. Gathering these documents ahead of time can make the process go much more smoothly. While the exact requirements can vary by state, the following checklist includes the most commonly needed documents. A checklist like this can serve as a concrete action plan, helping you organize your paperwork and avoid delays.
| SNAP Application Document Checklist |
| Document Category |
| Proof of Identity |
| Proof of Residence |
| Social Security Numbers |
| Proof of Immigration Status |
| Proof of Income |
| Proof of Expenses (Can Increase Your Benefit Amount) |
| Medical Expenses (for those 60+ or disabled) |
Important Information for Immigrant Families
Navigating the benefits system can bring up unique questions and fears for immigrant families. This section addresses the most common concerns directly, with the goal of providing clear, reassuring information based on current laws and policies. The primary barriers for immigrants are often not just the rules themselves, but fear and misinformation. Addressing these fears head-on is essential.
Will Getting SNAP Hurt My Immigration Case? The “Public Charge” Rule Explained
This is often the biggest worry for immigrants considering applying for benefits. The fear is that accepting help could make them a “public charge,” which could prevent them from keeping their Green Card or becoming a U.S. citizen in the future.
Under current federal rules, this fear is unfounded when it comes to SNAP. Here is the most important takeaway:
Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits will NOT be used against you in a public charge determination. It will NOT affect your ability to get a Green Card, keep your Green Card, or become a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. government has been very clear that non-cash benefits like SNAP, WIC, and school lunch programs are not considered in the public charge test. This policy is designed to ensure that immigrant families, especially those with children, are not afraid to access the nutritional support they need and are legally entitled to.
Applying for Your Children in a Mixed-Status Family
It is very common for a household to have people with different immigration statuses. For example, parents may be undocumented or be LPRs who are still in their five-year waiting period, while their children are U.S. citizens or LPRs under 18.
In these “mixed-status” households, the parents who are not eligible for SNAP can and should still apply for benefits on behalf of their eligible children. When you apply, you only need to provide a Social Security number and proof of immigration status for the household members who are actually requesting benefits.
You will still need to provide information about the income of all household members, as this is needed to determine if the household meets the income limits. However, state agencies are required to keep your information confidential and are not permitted to share it with immigration enforcement agencies like ICE for the purpose of enforcement.
What Is “Sponsor Deeming”?
When some LPRs get their Green Card through a family member, that family member (the “sponsor”) signs a document called an Affidavit of Support, promising to financially support the immigrant. Because of this, SNAP rules sometimes require that a portion of the sponsor’s income and resources be “deemed,” or counted, as available to the LPR when determining their eligibility for benefits.
This rule is very complex and has its own set of exceptions. For example, sponsor deeming usually ends when the LPR becomes a U.S. citizen or can be credited with 40 quarters of work history. Deeming also does not apply to LPR children under 18. If you were sponsored, the SNAP caseworker will explain how this rule might apply to you.
When Federal SNAP Isn’t an Option: State Food Programs
The rules discussed so far have been for the federal SNAP program. But what if a Green Card holder is in their first five years and doesn’t meet any of the exceptions? For these individuals, a “no” from the federal program is not always the final answer.
The restrictive federal rules created a gap, leaving many low-income, lawfully present immigrants without access to food assistance. In response, some states have decided to use their own state funds to create parallel food assistance programs to fill this gap. These programs often specifically serve immigrants who are ineligible for federal SNAP solely due to their immigration status, such as those in the five-year waiting period.
This trend shows that states can act as a crucial backstop when federal policy creates hardship. It is a vital piece of the food assistance landscape that all immigrants should be aware of. Below are a few examples of how this works in different states:
- Washington: The State Food Assistance Program (FAP) provides benefits to legal immigrants who meet all the regular requirements for SNAP (called Basic Food in Washington) but are ineligible because of their immigration status. The benefit amount is the same as it would be under the federal program.
- California: The California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides state-funded food benefits (known as CalFresh) to certain qualified immigrants who are not eligible for federal SNAP, including many LPRs in the five-year waiting period.
- Illinois: Illinois primarily follows the federal SNAP rules, but it provides detailed guidance for immigrants. Some immigrants who do not qualify for SNAP might be eligible for other state-funded cash assistance programs, like Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled (AABD).
- New York: While New York does not currently have a comprehensive state-funded program for all immigrants excluded from SNAP, there is a significant advocacy effort to create one. Advocates have called on the state to fund a program that would provide food assistance to all income-eligible New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status.
Because these programs are state-specific, it is very important to check with your own state’s human services or social services department. Their website is the best place to find out if a state-funded food program exists where you live.
Conclusion: You Have the Right to Apply
The rules governing SNAP eligibility for Green Card holders are undeniably complex. There is a main hurdle—the five-year waiting period for many adults—but it is surrounded by a wide and important array of exceptions for children, people with disabilities, those with a work history, and military families.
If there is one key message to take away from this guide, it is this: do not let confusion or fear stop you from seeking help if your family needs it. It is your right to apply for benefits, and it is the only way to get a definite answer about your eligibility from your local SNAP office.
Remember the most critical points:
- Many Green Card holders are eligible for SNAP, especially if they fall into one of the exception categories.
- Applying for or receiving SNAP will not harm your immigration status or be considered in a “public charge” test.
- You can and should apply for your eligible children, even if you are not eligible yourself.
If you believe you might be eligible based on the information in this guide, the best next step is to contact your local SNAP agency and submit an application. They are there to help you through the process and determine the support for which you and your family qualify.