Public Charge
(Last Updated: July 29, 2026; other translations of this update were done using machine translation)
On July 20, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new public charge rule. The new rule will not go into effect until September 18, 2026.
The new rule ends the 2022 public charge rule. DHS says that it will issue guidance before September 18, 2026 to explain further how public charge determinations will be made. This guidance has not been published yet.
See more information for advocates here: Public Charge: What Advocates Need to Know - Protecting Immigrant Families
See information that can be shared with communities here: Public Charge: Does this Apply to Me? - Protecting Immigrant Families
Immigrants who are concerned about accessing the public benefits programs that they are eligible for should get individualized consultations from trusted organizations. MANY people who are eligible for benefits in California are NOT impacted by public charge.
Stay connected with trusted sources of information to learn about any changes to benefits eligibility or to the public charge test.
This is general information only. If people have questions about their specific situation, contact BAILA or another trusted organization.
