USCIS Form I-864P: HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support

Quick answer

What is USCIS Form I-864P used for?

Use the HHS Poverty Guidelines to complete Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA. These poverty guidelines are effective beginning Mar. 1, 2026. Means-Tested Public Benefits Federal Means-Tested Public Benefits Federal means-tested public benefits include food stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). State Means-Tested Public Benefits Each state will determine which, if any, of its public benefits are means-tested. If a state determines it has programs that meet this definition, we encourage them to notify the public on which programs are included. You can also check with the state public assistance office for more information. Programs Not Included The following federal and state programs are not included as means-tested benefits: Emergency Medicaid; Short-term, non-cash emergency relief; Services provided under the National School Lunch and Child Nutrition Acts; Immunizations and testing and treatment for communicable diseases; Student assistance under the Higher Education Act and the Public Health Service Act; Certain forms of foster-care or adoption assistance under the Social Security Act; Head Start programs; Means-tested programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; and Job Training Partnership Act programs.

What to prepare before filling I-864P

1. 01

   Confirm that Form I-864P, HHS Poverty Guidelines for Affidavit of Support, matches the specific benefit, request, verification, or record you need.

2. 02

   Download the current Form I-864P and its separate instructions from USCIS, then compare the edition date before typing any answers.

3. 03

   For Form I-864P, collect the identity records, receipt or account numbers, dates, addresses, and prior immigration documents that support your answers.

4. 04

   Verify the current Form I-864P fee and assemble the financial, income, household, or payment evidence required for this filing.

Current official filing details

The details below are condensed from the USCIS page reviewed on 2026-07-26. Follow the official page and instructions if they differ from this snapshot.

Official I-864P downloads and filing links

USCIS Form I-864P FAQ