Recent changes to the federal Public Charge Rule may leave some California families wondering what those changes mean for them and the benefits they rely on such as child care, food assistance, health care, and other services to support their children and household. The new rule took effect on سپتامبر 18, 2026, and The California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) recently announced new resources to help Californians understand the federal rule, what it means, and how it may affect individuals and families. CalHHS encourages people with questions to seek information from trusted sources and consult a qualified immigration legal service provider about their individual circumstances.
What Is the Public Charge Rule?
“Public charge” is an immigration-related term used by the federal government in certain immigration determinations. The Public Charge Rule concerns how the federal government considers an individual’s use of certain public benefits in certain immigration cases.
The new federal rule changes how certain public benefits may be considered when federal immigration officials make a public charge determination. However, the rule does not apply to everyone. Whether it applies depends on an individual’s circumstances, including their immigration situation and the type of immigration process they are pursuing. Click here to learn more.
Because every immigration situation is different, families should not assume that the rule applies to them based solely on information they see online or hear from others.
What Should Families Do?
- Get information from trusted sources
- Talk to a qualified immigration legal service provider
- Be cautious of misinformation and scams
- Don’t make important decisions based on fear or incomplete information
What the New Rule Means for California Families
The new rule has raised questions and concerns among families who receive or are considering applying for public benefits and services. Families should not stop using or applying for essential services simply because they are concerned about public charge. Instead, individuals with immigration-related questions should speak with a qualified immigration legal service provider who can review their specific circumstances.
The California Department of Social Services also emphasizes that the rule does not apply to most immigrants already in the United States. Because eligibility and immigration rules can be complicated, individuals should seek advice specific to their circumstances before making decisions about benefits or services.
California Department of Social Services Public Charge List
The California Department of Social Services maintains a list of nonprofit organizations that provides assistance related to public charge. The list includes organizations serving different regions throughout California, including the Greater Los Angeles Area and Inland Empire.
CCRC Resources for Families
We are committed to helping families find information and connect with resources that can support their children. CCRC’s Family Resource Directory is an online database where parents and caregivers can find information about community resources and services. The directory includes categories such as:
- مهاجرت
- Legal assistance
- Child and family services
- Early care and education
- And much more
Families can use CCRC’s Family Directory to search for resources by topic, location, and type of assistance.
Finding Trusted Information and Support
Changes to immigration policies can create uncertainty, but families do not have to navigate questions alone. For the most current information about the Public Charge Rule, visit the California Health & Human Services Agency and check back for updates as additional guidance becomes available.