SNAP UPDATES AND RESOURCES
Payments won't be impacted by the federal spending freeze:
On January 29, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) took back the order for all state agencies to "pause" their spending. Those who receive SNAP and other benefits, like Medicaid and Social Security, should continue to expect their February benefits to arrive as scheduled.
Feel free to email nmachicote@injp.org for any questions regarding SNAP and your eligibility. If you are hesitant to apply or continue your benefits for SNAP due to your citizenship status or native language, please contact the email provided as well.
Public Charge Updates:
“Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility. Ground of inadmissibility are reasons that a person could be denied a green card, visa, or admission into the U.S. In deciding whether to grant some applicants a green card or a visa, an immigration officer must decide whether that person is likely to become dependent on certain government benefits in the future, which would make them a “public charge”.
As of February 10th, 2025, health care programs, including SNAP and Medicaid, housing, food programs, and many other vital services are safe to use.
Remember, the public charge test only applies to some programs and some immigrants;
It never applies to U.S. citizens, including the U.S. citizen children of immigrants.
It also doesn’t apply to most people with a green card, or asylees, refugees, people with U visas, T visas, VAWA, and many others.
If you are leaving the United States to do an immigration process at a consulate, it is important to check in with your legal provider before leaving under the new administration.
Resources:
KeepYourBenefits.org - includes a search tool people can use to learn more about how public charge applies to their own immigration status.
https://www.indyhunger.org/calculator/ - includes a calculator that helps you check if you may be eligible for SNAP and an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.
https://www.communitycompass.app/ - a free, quick, and easy tool designed to show people where they can find food assistance in Indiana.
Why SNAP is important
For food insecure households, SNAP provides needed economic relief which makes a huge difference in the community’s economic well-being and health. For example, SNAP is good for local economies. For every $5 in SNAP benefits spent at local grocery stores, $9 in economic activity is generated in the surrounding community.