Monterey County sees decrease in residents seeking public benefits

A proposed federal rule by President Donald Trump is meant to prevent people who might become a “public charge” from entering or getting legal residency in the United States.

The October proposal has added fear for some Monterey County residents.

“Individuals contact the department and indicate they’re going to withdraw or discontinue their eligibility generally out of the suggestion of an attorney,” Monterey County social services director Henry Espinoza said. “I can’t tell you clearly its all related to the public charge issue, but we are sure a portion of it is.”

Monterey County Social Services and Health Department has seen a slight decline in people choosing to receive services.

This is been seen the most in Medi Cal, CalWorks and CalFresh.

“As more unknown and uncertainty is out there people may continue to not exercise their rights,” Espinoza said.

“In our clinics people are canceling appointments or not rescheduling appointments because of potential fear of what may be coming,” Monterey County health services director Elsa Mendoza said.

County Officials stressed this is just a proposal and nothing has changed yet.

“The benefits are here they’re available and at this point the rule has not changed and the public charge rule is as it was proposed,” Espinoza said.

Monterey County sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security urging them to withdrawal the proposal.

The public comment period ended December 10.