Public Assistance
The Challenge
Federal and state public assistance programs act as a safety net for persons who are either unemployed or under-employed and lacking basic needs or services. Eligibility requirements for immigrants are confusing and ever-changing. Lack of information, language barriers, and rapid changes in laws keep many immigrants from applying for needed assistance, even when they may be eligible. Confusion commonly surrounds issues such as:
- Benefits available
- Who may apply
- How and where to apply
- Immigration implications
Information
This video/DVD answers many of the practical questions about public assistance, program by program. Each type of assistance is organized by type (food programs, medical, etc.). Its purpose and benefits are described, along with eligibility requirements, contact agency, and immigration status implications (if any). The video/DVD highlights the following public assistance programs:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Stamps
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs
- Legal Services
- Medicaid
- State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
- Head Start
Tools
Administrative agencies for various public assistance programs differ greatly in the amount (if any) of Spanish resources they furnish online, by phone, and in person. Resources and how they are administered also vary greatly from state to state. The printed resource guide, supplied with each copy of this video/DVD, highlights Spanish resources available regarding state public assistance programs. Below, find a link to a document listing of federal resources, some of which include Spanish materials. Some serve as a jumping point for all state-administered programs, and may be of more use to service providers.
For a listing of organizations and sites that furnish general information or assistance to immigrants, or provide assistance in multiple areas, either click here for general resources or you may download an adobe acrobat pdf file of public assistance resources.
Facilitator's Guide
View the Facilitator’s Guide for the Public Assistance Title here.
Running Time: 20:07 minutes
To order each of the seven titles, or any combination of multiple titles,
click here:
Education