Benefit difference b/w green card and citizenship for seniors

[gcfaq]

Hi,

Can anyone summarize the benefit difference b/w green card and citizenship for a senior besides the vote right, US passport, etc.?

For a no/low income senior green card holder in California (San Diego):
1. Can he apply any medical coverage?
He can apply Medi-Cal? I heard MediCare is only for a citizen.

2. Can he apply a senior apartment/housing?
Some people said they can pay as low as $50 per month for an one bedroom apartment due to the no income but other people said they need to pay $700 of the regular $1000 for non-senior people. Are there two types of apartment or housing for seniors?

3. Can he apply for social security?
It's said this is only option for a citizen. Is this right?

4. How long can he apply a citizenship?
Still the same requirement as for other green card holders - 5 years after green card?

5. Can he skip the English test for citizenship application?
Is there any waiver for some age, say, 80 years old? Some one skipped it because of handicapped.

Many thanks!

 

[Concerned4us]

Hi,

Can anyone summarize the benefit difference b/w green card and citizenship for a senior besides the vote right, US passport, etc.?

For a no/low income senior green card holder in California (San Diego):
1. Can he apply any medical coverage?
He can apply Medi-Cal? I heard MediCare is only for a citizen.

MEDICARE HAS WORK REQUIREMENT OR BUY IN AFTER 5 YEARS A LPR. MEDICAID(MEDICAL) HAS DIFFERING REQUIREMENTS BY STATE.


2. Can he apply a senior apartment/housing?
Some people said they can pay as low as $50 per month for an one bedroom apartment due to the no income but other people said they need to pay $700 of the regular $1000 for non-senior people. Are there two types of apartment or housing for seniors?

THE PERSON PROVIDING THE AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT IS COMMITTED FOR 10 YEARS OR CITIZENSHIP. THE WAITING LIST FOR MOST SUBSIDIZED HOUSING VARIES BY AREA. IN MINE, IT IS MANY YEARS WAIT.

3. Can he apply for social security?
It's said this is only option for a citizen. Is this right?

SOCIAL SECURITY REQUIRES WORK IN US OR AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL TREATY.

4. How long can he apply a citizenship?
Still the same requirement as for other green card holders - 5 years after green card?
YES

5. Can he skip the English test for citizenship application?
Is there any waiver for some age, say, 80 years old? Some one skipped it because of handicapped.
LIMITED WAIVERS AND ACCOMODATIONS.
Many thanks!

If you provided moved elderly parent to US, you should abided by your affidavit of support or expect to have US government come after your assets at some time in the future. Check with your local senior services organization. They will be able to list the benefits the senior qualifies for.

 

[Jackolantern]

For Social Security and Medicare there is no difference in eligibility between citizens and permanent residents. But there are other eligibility requirements that apply to both, in particular the number of years of paying payroll taxes to the US.

For Medicaid, for permanent residents there may be a minimum number of years of living in the state and/or US to qualify.

2. Can he apply a senior apartment/housing?
Some people said they can pay as low as $50 per month for an one bedroom apartment due to the no income but other people said they need to pay $700 of the regular $1000 for non-senior people. Are there two types of apartment or housing for seniors?

There are communities and apartment buildings that are only for over-55 residents. However, I don't know of any being as cheap as $50.

4. How long can he apply a citizenship?
Still the same requirement as for other green card holders - 5 years after green card?

Same number of years like everybody else.

5. Can he skip the English test for citizenship application?
Is there any waiver for some age, say, 80 years old?

A waiver is available for the English test if the individual is over 55 and has been a PR for 15 years, or over 50 and has been a PR for 20 years.

 

[gcfaq]

Thanks a lot, Concerned4us and Jackolantern!

In terms of what I heard usually the people need to pay 30% of the income for the housing, so if the income is $150 per month the cost will be $45.

 

[Jackolantern]

In terms of what I heard usually the people need to pay 30% of the income for the housing, so if the income is $150 per month the cost will be $45.

That's probably some form of government-subsidized housing for low-income individuals. You'll need to get specific details in writing about that program and who qualifies for it (including any required years of residence in the US or the state), and not just rely on "I heard".

 

[Concerned4us]

Since you are obligated by law to support her, your income is included in evaluation for means tested benefits. This is to keep people from doing just what you plan - dumping sponsored individuals who have never worked or contributed to the US treasury on the US taxpayer. (Please don't give the excuse that you are a taxpayer. So am I for 40 plus years of working.)