Is there any cash or food assistance for Haitians granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
On March 30th, the Obama Administration issued guidance stating that Haitians with TPS are not “qualified aliens” eligible for federal safety-net benefits. This means that Haitians granted TPS are not eligible to receive food stamp/SNAP benefits, TAFDC cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid (Mass Health Standard) unless they also have one of the other statuses listed above (e.g. in deportation, order of supervision, pending asylum). It is possible that some Haitians with TPS may also have one of these other statuses. If you have a client who needs these safety-net benefits, contact a local Legal Services office to find if this federal ruling has changed or if the individual may be eligible on other grounds. As noted above, elder or severely disabled Haitians with TPS may also be eligible for EAEDC cash assistance benefits. Haitians with TPS who are caretakers of a U.S. citizen or “qualified” immigrant child or spouse can also apply for TAFDC, foods stamps/SNAP
