Public benefits are programs run by federal and/or state governments that can help you with basic needs like food, shelter, and health care. There are restrictions on who is allowed to get public benefits, which we will break down below.

This information is also available for download in the Know Your Rights Toolkit for Youth Experiencing Homelessness, pages 9-12.

Your Key Legal Rights

  • The right to live in a safe, healthy home and be provided with basic needs (meals, clothing, and medical care).
  • The right to receive medical, mental health, vision and dental services (sometimes without parental consent).
  • The right to refuse medications or chemical substances not authorized by a doctor.
  • The right to have your privacy protected by prohibiting the release of your health information or medical records.

Food Benefits

  • Top Food Benefit Programs

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)​​ Monthly payments onto a special debit card you can use to buy groceries.
  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)​ Food and nutrition support for pregnant and parenting people and their children. It can also be used for health-related costs, like breastfeeding counseling or immunizations.
  • School Meal Programs Includes free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches for eligible students in public schools.

  • Who is Eligible for Food Benefit Programs?

  • SNAP​​ Eligibility for SNAP is based on your monthly income and expenses. Some immigrants, including some with legal status, are not eligible.
  • WIC​ Eligible people are women who are currently pregnant, postpartum (up to six months after the ​end of a pregnancy​), or breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday) and infants and children up to age five. Eligibility for WIC is also based on your monthly income. If you already qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may be eligible for WIC. Sometimes those with undocumented status or other immigration statuses are eligible for WIC.
  • School Meals Eligibility for school meals is based on what programs your school participates in and you or your family’s monthly income. All students are eligible for school meal programs, no matter what their immigration status is.

  • How Can I Enroll in Food Benefit Programs?

  • SNAP​​ Contact your local SNAP office to see if you are eligible and to complete the application.
  • WIC​ Use this eligibility tool to check if you qualify, then contact your local WIC office to complete the application.
  • School Meals If you’re a parent or guardian, ask your child’s school for a meal program application. If you’re a student experiencing homelessness, ask an adult you trust about the meal program, like a teacher, coach, counselor, or your homeless liaison.

Health Care Benefits

  • Top Health Care Programs

  • Medicaid​​ Free or low-cost health care coverage for eligible low-income individuals.
  • Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)​ Free health care coverage for some youth under age 19.
  • Emergency Medical Care Hospitals have to provide emergency medical care to anyone, even if they don’t have health insurance or legal immigration status.

  • Who is Eligible for Health Care Benefits?

  • Medicaid​​​​ Eligibility can change depending on what state you live in, so check out this Medicaid Eligibility by state resource. In general, youth with legal immigration status who are 18 and older, low-income, and experiencing homelessness are eligible. Minors experiencing homelessness on their own are most likely eligible, but double check your state’s rules. Immigrant youth without legal status are not eligible.
  • CHIP​​ Eligibility can change depending on what state you live in, so check out this CHIP Eligibility Resource. In general, if you’re under age 19 and your parents or guardian make too much money to get Medicaid but can’t afford to pay for your insurance, then you’re eligible for CHIP. In some states, if you’re under age 19 and pregnant, you are eligible. Immigrant youth without legal immigration status are sometimes eligible, depending on your state. Check here or here.
  • Emergency Medical Care​ Everyone is eligible to get emergency medical care at a hospital, even if you don’t have insurance or legal immigration status.

  • How Can I Enroll in Health Care?

You must apply for Medicaid and CHIP through your state. Find your state’s offices here.

I’m a Minor—Can I Consent to Health Care?

“Consent to health care” means you can make medical appointments and choices about your health care without needing permission from your parent or guardian. If you’re a minor experiencing homelessness, you might be able to consent to your own health care—it depends on what your state’s laws are.

  • Find your state on this document to see if there are laws that let you consent to your health care as a minor.
  • Call your local health clinics to see if they can serve you without parent or guardian consent. Also ask them if your medical records can remain confidential.
  • If you can’t find a health clinic to go to, see if someone you trust—like a school nurse, school social worker, or a case manager—can help you.
  • What you can say: “I’m [age] years old and experiencing homelessness by myself. Can I receive health services without my parent’s consent, and will this remain private?”

Your State May Offer Different Public Benefits

Check to see if your state has additional benefits programs, stricter or more lenient eligibility rules, or other resources. Also, some local cities and counties may offer cash assistance, shelter stays, or hotel accommodations through a General Assistance program (GA). GAs may be able to help you meet your basic needs, especially if you are 18 or older or an emancipated minor. You would need to contact your city or county’s economic assistance office to apply for GA.

Take Charge of Your Benefits

  • Determine what benefits you need.

  • Check if you’re eligible for the benefits—be sure to look at the federal requirements and your state’s requirements.

  • Gather the documents you’ll need to enroll. This could include an ID, verification from your school or shelter that you’re experiencing homelessness, and info about your income (if you have a job).

  • See if someone you trust—like a school worker or case manager—can help you apply. The application process can be complicated.

  • See if the benefits you’re applying for have a help line—some have a chat feature or a phone number you can call.

  • Keep records of your application and any emails or texts you receive about it.

  • If you are denied financial support, you have the legal right to appeal. Know how to contact your local Legal Aid office if you are denied support or services.

  • What you can say: “I’m [age] years old and experiencing homelessness by myself. I would like to enroll in [benefit]. Can you please tell me if I am eligible and how I can apply? What documents do I need to enroll?”

Additional Resources