Eligibility for benefits for immigrant seniors: What can green card holders, citizens, and low-income seniors apply for?
One of the biggest concerns for many elderly Chinese immigrants in the United States is: Am I eligible for welfare benefits? Some have heard that "green card holders can't receive welfare," others worry that "receiving welfare will affect my naturalization or sponsorship," and still others believe that "only citizens can apply." Some of these statements are correct, while others are only partially true. The reality is: Whether you can apply, and what you can apply for, depends on your immigration status, length of residency in the U.S., income and assets, tax records, and even the regulations of your state. This article will explain the eligibility for welfare benefits for green card holders, citizens, and low-income seniors in a conversational style.