Temporary Protected Status (TPS) gives eligible nationals from designated countries the legal right to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation. But TPS is more than just protection from removal. Depending on your situation and the programs involved, TPS designation may open the door to work authorization, tax credits, health insurance subsidies, and other forms of assistance. This guide covers what benefits TPS holders can access, what has changed recently, and how to check your eligibility.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
TPS is a humanitarian program administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When a foreign country experiences an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions, DHS can designate that country for TPS. Nationals from that country who are already in the United States and meet continuous presence requirements can then apply to receive TPS protection.
TPS does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship on its own. It is a temporary, renewable protection status. However, it does confer several important legal rights while it is in effect.
Key Rights That Come With TPS
- Protection from deportation (removal) while TPS is active
- Eligibility to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called a work permit
- The ability to request advance parole to travel internationally with DHS consent
- Freedom from immigration detention based solely on your immigration status
Currently Designated Countries (2026)
As of April 2026, the following countries have active or court-protected TPS designations. This list changes frequently due to litigation and policy decisions.
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|
| El Salvador | Active | Valid through September 9, 2026 |
| Sudan | Active | Extended through October 19, 2026 |
| Ukraine | Active | Extended through October 19, 2026 |
| Lebanon | Active | Valid through May 27, 2026 |
| Yemen | Active | Set to end May 4, 2026 |
| Haiti | Court-protected | Pending legal challenge |
| Burma (Myanmar) | Court-protected | Government termination blocked by court |
| Somalia | Court-protected | Ongoing litigation |
| Ethiopia | Court-protected | Ongoing litigation |
| South Sudan | Court-protected | Ongoing litigation |
| Syria | Court-protected | Ongoing litigation |
Countries where TPS has ended include Nicaragua, Honduras, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Cameroon. Terminations for several of these countries are subject to active legal challenges that may reverse outcomes.
If you are unsure whether your country's TPS designation is currently valid, check the USCIS TPS page for the most current information.
TPS Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for TPS, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You are a national of a TPS-designated country (or a person with no nationality who last habitually resided there)
- You were continuously present in the United States since the date DHS designated or re-designated your country
- You have continuously resided in the United States since a date specified for your country
- You are not subject to any of the bars to TPS, including certain criminal convictions or security-related grounds
- You register during the open registration period (or meet requirements for late initial registration)
TPS does not require you to have entered the country legally. The key requirement is physical presence in the United States on or before the designation date.
Work Authorization for TPS Holders
Work authorization is one of the most significant benefits that comes with TPS. Once your TPS application is approved, you can receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows you to work legally for any employer in the United States.
How to Apply for a TPS Work Permit
You apply for TPS and work authorization at the same time by filing:
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Filing both forms together typically results in receiving your EAD more quickly than if you file them separately.
Filing fees as of 2026:
- Form I-821: approximately $510
- Biometrics: approximately $30
- Form I-765 (EAD): approximately $520
Fee waivers are available for applicants who cannot afford the fees. Use Form I-912 to request a fee waiver when you file.
You can file Form I-821 online through your myUSCIS account or by mail.
Benefits TPS Holders May Qualify For
TPS status itself does not make you eligible for most federal public benefits programs. However, because TPS holders are considered "lawfully present" in the United States, you may qualify for certain programs based on your income, household size, and other eligibility factors.
ACA Marketplace Health Insurance (2026 Coverage Year)
TPS holders are currently considered lawfully present for ACA marketplace purposes. For coverage beginning in 2026, TPS holders who meet income requirements may enroll in marketplace health plans and receive premium tax credits (subsidies) to reduce monthly costs.
Important change coming in 2027: Legislation passed in 2025 will eliminate marketplace subsidy eligibility for TPS holders beginning with the 2027 plan year (coverage starting January 1, 2027). If you currently rely on ACA coverage with subsidies, 2026 is your last year of eligibility under current law.
Income thresholds for ACA subsidies (2026):
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|
| 1 | $15,650 | $62,600 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $128,600 |
| Each additional person | +$5,500 | +$22,000 |
Subsidies are available to households earning between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In states that expanded Medicaid, those earning below 138% FPL typically qualify for Medicaid instead of marketplace subsidies.
Use our free eligibility screener to see whether you qualify for marketplace coverage or other programs.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
TPS holders who have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and earned income may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for workers with low to moderate income.
To claim the EITC, TPS holders must:
- Have a valid SSN issued to work (an SSN issued specifically for non-work purposes does not qualify)
- Meet income limits based on filing status and number of qualifying children
- Have earned income from wages, salary, or self-employment
2025 EITC income limits (filing in 2026):
| Filing Status | No Children | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3+ Children |
|---|
| Single / Head of Household | up to $18,591 | up to $49,084 | up to $55,768 | up to $59,899 |
| Married Filing Jointly | up to $25,511 | up to $56,004 | up to $62,688 | up to $66,819 |
Maximum EITC credit amounts (2025 tax year):
| Number of Children | Maximum Credit |
|---|
| None | $632 |
| 1 child | $4,213 |
| 2 children | $6,960 |
| 3+ children | $7,830 |
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
TPS holders with U.S. citizen or lawfully resident children may qualify for the Child Tax Credit. For the 2025 tax year, the maximum CTC is $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,700 of that amount is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, meaning you can receive it even if you owe little or no tax.
The child must have a valid Social Security Number to qualify. Your own SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be used when filing.
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC provides food assistance and nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to age 5. Because TPS holders are considered lawfully present, they are generally eligible to apply for WIC if they meet the income and categorical requirements.
WIC income limits (2025-2026):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (185% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $28,952 |
| 2 | $39,128 |
| 3 | $49,311 |
| 4 | $59,487 |
| 5 | $69,663 |
| Each additional | +$10,176 |
WIC is administered at the state level. Contact your local WIC office or your state health department to apply.
Lifeline Phone and Internet Program
The Lifeline program offers discounts on monthly phone or internet service for low-income households. Eligibility is based on income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level) or participation in certain qualifying programs.
TPS holders who meet the income threshold or participate in qualifying programs may be eligible for Lifeline. The standard benefit is approximately $9.25 per month toward phone or internet service.
135% FPL thresholds for Lifeline (2026):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $21,128 |
| 2 | $28,553 |
| 3 | $35,978 |
| 4 | $43,403 |
| Each additional | +$7,425 |
SNAP and Medicaid
Federal legislation passed in 2025 significantly restricted SNAP and Medicaid access for lawfully present immigrants, including TPS holders. Under the new rules, TPS holders are generally not eligible for federal SNAP or regular Medicaid unless they have separately qualifying immigration status such as lawful permanent residency.
Emergency Medicaid remains available to all individuals, including TPS holders, for emergency medical situations and childbirth regardless of immigration status.
Some states use their own funds to extend Medicaid or food assistance to certain immigrant populations beyond federal requirements. Check with your state Medicaid agency for current rules in your state.
How to Apply for TPS
If you believe you are eligible for TPS, here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Confirm your country is currently designated
Visit uscis.gov to verify that your country of origin has an active TPS designation and that the registration window is open. Some designations are only open for initial registrants during specific periods.
Step 2: Gather required documents
You will need:
- Identity documents (passport, national ID, or other government-issued ID)
- Evidence of nationality (passport, birth certificate, or other documents)
- Proof of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S. since the required date (utility bills, lease agreements, employment records, school records, etc.)
- Two passport-style photographs
- Filing fee or fee waiver request
Step 3: Complete the forms
- Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) if you want a work permit
- Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) if you cannot afford the fees
Step 4: Submit your application
File online at myUSCIS or mail your forms to the USCIS filing address listed in the form instructions for your country's designation. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 5: Attend biometrics appointment
Most applicants will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). You will provide fingerprints and a photo.
Step 6: Wait for a decision
Processing times vary. You can check your case status at uscis.gov using your receipt number. While your application is pending, you may be protected from removal if you filed within the registration period.
Step 7: Re-register when required
TPS must be renewed each time the designation is extended. USCIS announces re-registration periods in the Federal Register. Missing the re-registration window can result in loss of status.
Checking Your Benefit Eligibility
Because TPS holders' benefit eligibility depends on income, household size, state of residence, and other factors, the fastest way to see what you may qualify for is to run a free screening.
Our eligibility screener at BenefitsUSA.org checks your information against more than 11 federal and state programs at once and gives you a list of programs you may qualify for along with estimated values and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TPS holders get Social Security benefits?
TPS holders are generally not eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits unless they have also paid into Social Security through work authorization and meet the program's work history requirements. TPS alone does not qualify you for Social Security.
Does TPS give me a path to a green card?
TPS by itself does not lead to a green card or permanent residency. However, some TPS holders may be eligible to adjust status through other means, such as through a family petition or employer sponsorship. Consult an immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
If I have TPS, can my family members also get TPS?
No. TPS cannot be extended to family members based solely on one person's TPS designation. Each family member must independently qualify based on their own nationality and presence requirements.
What happens to my work permit if TPS for my country is terminated?
If TPS is terminated and the termination is not blocked by a court, your TPS-based EAD will expire and you will no longer have work authorization based on TPS. However, many termination decisions have been challenged in court and stayed (paused) during litigation. Track the status of your country's designation closely.
Can I travel outside the U.S. with TPS?
TPS holders need to obtain advance parole from USCIS before traveling outside the United States. Leaving without advance parole may result in the loss of your TPS status and create bars to re-entry. Apply for advance parole using Form I-131 before making any travel plans.
Will TPS holders lose ACA health coverage in 2026?
TPS holders can still receive ACA marketplace subsidies for plans that start in 2026. The change takes effect for the 2027 plan year. Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs in the fall of 2026. If you currently have subsidized marketplace coverage, plan ahead for what changes in 2027.
How do I know if TPS for my country is still valid?
Check the USCIS website directly at uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status for the current status of your country's designation. Several designations are subject to active litigation and can change on short notice.
Where can I get free help with my TPS application?
Many nonprofit legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost assistance with TPS applications. Search for accredited immigration representatives or nonprofit legal service providers in your area through the Department of Justice's list of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.
