re: #38 laZardo

It depends on the particular form the sponsor signed. If it’s I-864 then yes, they will almost certainly get billed for the cost of the means tested assistance, and they can be sued. My source has no idea of what DSHS’s track record is in these matters. If the sponsor signed form I-134 then they might get billed, but cannot be sued as form I-134 is in no way legally binding. Either way the sponsor signed on to support your Mom, they might not know what they’ve gotten into but they have taken on an obligation. It’s dicey I know but you guys might give them a heads up and let them decide if they want to help out directly now or roll the dice. The way I phrased that might come off as extortionist to the sponsor, but like I said like it or not they took on an obligation.

I did some other research that you may or may not have at hand. There is also a route called “sponsor deeming” that might help depending on the financial situation of the sponsor. It allows a green card holder to use their sponsor’s income when applying for means tested assistance like food stamps. Sponsor deeming was probably designed as a safeguard in situations where the sponsor’s initial financial position has become less secure post sponsorship.

If the sponsor lived in the same household then she could qualify for food stamps assuming the household income was less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level.

Sorry my source couldn’t provide a clear answer. Take care.