Appendix C: Federal Benefits for Noncitizens

A complex set of rules governs the eligibility of noncitizens for federal benefits, including under many of the programs overseen by the House Committee on Ways and Means and featured in the Green Book. These rules are determined largely by the type of noncitizen in question and the nature of the services being offered. Unauthorized aliens are not eligible for federal public benefits, except for a narrow set of specified emergency services and programs.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports

The House Ways and Means Committee is making available selected reports by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) for inclusion in its 2016 Green Book website. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to Committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. The following CRS reports provide an overview of policies affecting noncitizen eligibility and access to selected federal benefit programs.

RL34500:  Unauthorized Aliens’ Access to Federal Benefits: Policy and Issues

RL32004: Social Security Benefits for Noncitizens

RL33809: Noncitizen Eligibility for Federal Public Assistance: Policy Overview 

R43561: Treatment of Noncitizens under the Affordable Care Act

This page was prepared October 2016 for the 2016 version of the House Ways and Means Committee Green Book.