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Get to know the Social Benefits in the USA and find out if you are eligible by reading the article below, and see how to apply as well.

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Surely you speak Spanish and live in the United States? Then pay attention: there are a series of social programs that can help you and your family with health, food, housing and even early childhood education.

So, even if you are adjusting to life in the US or still learning English, it doesn’t mean you are alone.

After all, the federal government and states offer affordable benefits — and many of them have support in Spanish, from forms to in-person service.

However, in this article, you will discover the main social programs aimed at Spanish-speaking immigrants.

Therefore, you will also understand who is eligible, how to apply and where to seek help, even if you do not speak fluent English.

So, be prepared: you may be missing out on valuable benefits without even knowing it!

 

Why are there social programs with support in Spanish?

First, the United States has over 62 million Hispanics — that’s about 19% of the country’s total population.

Well, it's no small feat, which is why federal and state agencies and community organizations offer direct support in Spanish in almost all public services.

Since 2000, there has been a legal requirement (Order 13166) that requires public agencies to provide language access for people with limited English proficiency (LEP).

In other words: you have the right to receive information, register and even be served in Spanish, without having to rely on informal translators or guesswork.

 

Who can receive welfare benefits in the US?

This is a common question.

Most programs require some type of legal immigration status — such as a green card, humanitarian visa, asylum, TPS, or even regularized temporary residency.

However, there are important exceptions:

  • Children born in the US are eligible, even if their parents are undocumented.
  • Some cities and states (such as California and New York) offer local coverage even for people without defined immigration status.
  • Emergency benefits, such as school meals, vaccinations, or disaster relief, are universal.

 

Now, let's get to what matters: the programs.

 

1. Medicaid: Free or reduced-price health insurance

Do you or your child need medical care and don't have health insurance?

Medicaid may be the solution.

It offers free or low-cost insurance to low-income families, and many states offer forms and support in Spanish.

For example:

  • California has the mybenefitscalwin.org portal with a Spanish option.
  • In New York, you can go to ny.gov to learn all about your local Medicaid program.
  • Interpreter assistance is available at 1-800-318-2596 (HealthCare.gov).

Who can receive?

  • Legal residents with more than 5 years of presence in the country.
  • Children and pregnant women may be eligible even with indefinite immigration status in some states.
  • Asylum seekers, refugees, and TPS beneficiaries are also accepted.

 

2. SNAP (formerly Food Stamps): help buying food

Did you know that the US government can help you put food on the table?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) offers a monthly card with funds to purchase food.

And the best part: you can apply with help in Spanish — either online or in person.

In states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada, application portals have a full Spanish version.

Who can receive?

  • US citizens, legal residents, parents of children born in the US.
  • Immigrants with asylum status, green card, TPS, among others.
  • Family income must be below the limit set by the government (varies by family size).

 

3. WIC: Nutrition for Pregnant Women and Young Children

If you are pregnant or have children under 5, the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program offers:

  • Free milk, eggs, cereals and healthy foods
  • Prenatal care and nutritional guidance
  • Help in Spanish in almost all centers

WIC is one of the most accessible programs for immigrants, and many states accept families without legal status as long as they have children born in the U.S.

 

4. Head Start: Free bilingual preschool education

Is your child between 3 and 5 years old?

You can enroll your child in a free daycare center focused on academic development and family support — all in Spanish, if you wish.

This is the Head Start program.

It is available nationwide and offers:

  • Bilingual classes
  • Food
  • Health and behavior monitoring
  • Support for parents with documentation and employment

Many Head Start centers have Spanish-speaking educators who are prepared to serve the entire family with care and dignity.

 

5. Free English courses for Hispanic immigrants

Do you want to learn English to get a better job, help your children or just better understand the country where you live?

Then take advantage of the free ESL (English as a Second Language) programs offered by:

  • Local public schools
  • Libraries
  • NGOs such as Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services, Literacy Volunteers
  • Community colleges

In almost all of these places, there is initial assistance in Spanish to guide the beginning student.

What’s more, many of these institutions also help with transportation, childcare, and even career counseling.

 

6. USCIS: Spanish-language access to immigration services

The official USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) website has almost all of its content translated into Spanish.

Additionally, explanatory videos, forms and naturalization instructions are available in your native language.

You can visit:
https://www.uscis.gov/es

There you will find:

  • How to apply for a green card
  • How to Become a US Citizen
  • How to renew your work permit
  • How to apply for family reunification

 

How do you know if you are eligible for the programs?

If you have any questions, don't worry.

Thus, there are community centers throughout the country with free services in Spanish.

You can seek help with:

  • Catholic Charities
  • Hispanic Federation
  • Community Health Centers
  • State Health Agencies and Benefits

Or, if you want to do it all yourself, go to:
https://www.benefits.gov/

After all, you can fill out a quick questionnaire in Spanish and see the list of programs that apply to your situation.

 

Conclusion: Don’t hesitate to ask for help — your rights are real!

Ultimately, being an immigrant does not mean living without support, quite the opposite: the United States recognizes that everyone should have access to health care, food and basic education — especially those who are raising children, contributing to society and seeking a better life.

So, if you speak Spanish, know that there are open paths, translated forms and people prepared to help you.

So, don't wait until you're in trouble to seek help.

After all, information is power — and now that you know what’s available, you’re closer to ensuring quality of life for you and your family.