In Illinois
Some programs in Illinois will grant you public benefits without checking your immigration status. For other programs, your eligibility depends on whether you are a “Qualified Immigrant.”
To qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), you must be in one of the following Qualified Immigrant groups:
Victims of domestic abuse and their families.
Iraqi or Afghan immigrants; or
Trafficking victims and their close family members;
Immigrants who have had their deportation withheld;
Immigrants who were granted conditional entry or parole;
Members of the Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribe;
Members of the Hmong or Highland Laotian Tribe;
Amerasian immigrants and their close family members;
Refugees or asylees;
US veterans, those on active duty, and their dependents;
Native Americans born in Canada;
LPRs who have been in the US for 5 years;
LPRs (legal permanent resident) who have been living in the US since before August 22, 1996 and who currently live in the US;
You can also ask your caseworker to explain the requirements to you. If your children are eligible for benefits and you aren’t, you may receive TANF benefits for your children.
Note: These benefits may be considered in the public charge test when you apply for a green card. To speak to a lawyer, use Get Legal Help.
