11June 2020
During these uncertain economic times, you may need financial help that you are afraid to seek. It is natural to have questions for fear of jeopardizing your current status, future status or drawing unwanted attention from authorities. This is a particular concern with the newest “public charge” rules. MIL wants to provide basic information to help guide you. Please keep in mind that this is NOT formal legal advice.
Let’s begin with a basic distinction – between public and private help.
PUBLIC means the government. For immigrants, contrary to false perceptions – there isn’t much government help at all. [Example, stimulus checks: for undocumented people, despite your immense contributions to the U.S. economy and paying taxes… you’re denied this help. This denial extends to mixed-status, married couples who file taxes together]. For benefits which you do qualify, there are some exceptions built into the public charge rules. However, these rules are so new we must be very careful… about what little you may qualify and apply for. In the coming weeks, there will be a “public charge” information page on our website and a session offered as part of our “Know Your Rights” trainings. We will keep you posted.
If you are already in process with MIL, ALWAYS call or email us before contacting any government agency for financial help (or other benefits). Government benefits include (but aren’t limited to): SNAP (Food); General Assistance (Cash) and MedQUEST (Medicaid Health Insurance).
PRIVATE means every other kind of help: charities, foundations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) etc. Applying for this help is fine and of no concern to immigration agencies. On Maui, thankfully there are many immigrant-friendly organizations and resources to help with life’s basic necessities. Here are some of them:
MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
(H.E.L.P. = Rent, Food, Energy Bills etc.)
Tel: (808) 249-2990
Website: meoinc.org
Email: cs@meoinc.org
MEO EnLace Hispano
Tel: 249-2993
Email: eh@meoinc.org
ALOHA UNITED WAY
Call 2-1-1 or Tel: (877) 275-6569
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Tel: (808) 873-4673
Financial Assistance: (808) 521-4357
Website: catholiccharitieshawaii.org
Email: info@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
PARENTS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER (P.A.C.T.)
COVID-19 Community Resources Page
Tel: (808) 843-5312
Website: pacthawaii.org
Email: maui@pacthawaii.org
Stay safe and in touch,
The MIL Family