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970 Chapter 6:Non-citizens • Section 1: Introduction (07/2026) ERDC The assets of a sponsor and of a sponsor’s spouse are not deemed to the sponsored non-citizen. REF There is no deeming of assets if there is a sponsor involved with an individual in the REF program. MSP The department is working on implementing sponsor deeming questions and calculations into the ONE system for medical programs. Until that time, this information is not collected for medical only cases OSIPM The department is working on implementing sponsor deeming questions and calculations into the ONE system for medical programs. Until that time, this information is not collected for medical only cases. HSD The department is working on implementing sponsor deeming questions and calculations into the ONE system for medical programs. Until that time, this information is not collected for medical only cases. Public charge UPDATE – March 2021 • As of March 9, 2021, the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) will no longer apply the August 2019 Public Charge Final Rule. The 2019 rule had expanded the definition of public charge and increased the number of programs used to determine public charge status. Instead, USCIS will now use the public charge policy described in the 1999 field guidance (published by the prior Immigration and Naturalization Service). • Many immigrants are exempt from the public charge test. • Many benefits don’t count in the public charge test. • Benefits received by and for children don’t count against their parents. • Testing, treatment and preventive care for COVID-19 will not be considered in the public charge test, no matter how it is paid. Background “Public charge” or the “public charge test” is used by immigration officials to decide whether a person can enter the U.S. under a new visa, renew/extend a visa or adjust their legal status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Reference the USCIS website to see what version of the public charge rule is being applied. This section is designed to provide an overview and list of facts about public charge so you may answer general questions. Remember, at no time should you give legal advice to a participant, nor should you influence their decision to request benefits or not. The public charge test does not affect eligibility for public benefit programs. Public charge does not change whether someone is eligible for SNAP, TANF or HSD medical programs. Instead, the public charge rule makes it so that receiving public benefits may be considered when determining if these individuals may enter the United States or be granted lawful permanent residence. Who is not subject to the public charge test? USCIS will not consider public benefits received on behalf of another or receipt of a public benefit by one or more members of the applicant’s household to the applicant, unless the applicant is also a listed beneficiary of the public benefit. In addition, the following individuals are not subject to public charge test, or are specifically excluded: