Alameda County
Bar Association

‘Public Charge’ Rule Change to Go Into Effect on Monday, February 24, 2020 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working swiftly to implement the final ‘Public Charge’ rule on Monday, February 24, 2020. This gives us only three weeks to reach out to community members who may be impacted by this rule change.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Social Services Agency (SSA), and Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) are committed to educating our immigrant communities to ensure they continue to receive benefits they are eligible for. SSA has updated their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Public Charge Fact Sheets to reflect last week’s Supreme Court’s decision on their Immigration Resources Page.

If you are concerned this rule may affect you, seek qualified legal advice before applying for or withdrawing from benefits.

It is important for individuals and families to continue receiving the support they need to be healthy, fed, and secure in their housing. Here are some of the local community-based legal assistance organizations that can provide assistance:

  • Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach: (510) 251-2846
  • Bay Area Legal Aid: (510) 663-4744
  • Catholic Charities of the East Bay: (510) 437-1554
  • Centro Legal De La Raza: (510) 437-1554
  • East Bay Community Law Center: (510) 548-4040
  • International Institute of the East Bay: (510) 451-2846

California’s eligibility rules for public assistance benefits have not changed.

Information provided to SSA is confidential and only used to determine benefit eligibility.

The Federal government does not have access to the Social Services Agency’s information for immigration enforcement.

For more information, please visit SSA’S Immigration Resources Page.

District 5 Office | 1221 Oak Street, Suite 536, Oakland, CA 9461
Supervisor.Carson@acgov.org | (510) 272-6695