Did you know you must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for most Social Security benefits?
For many immigrants living and working in the United States, becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to important federal programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The most common question we hear: “Do I have to be a citizen to get SSDI?” The answer is yes. That’s why pursuing citizenship it’s a critical part of securing your long-term well-being.
Local Resources in Nevada
Trusted non-profit organizations can guide you through the naturalization process with free or low-cost services.
Las Vegas
Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
Offers immigration legal services, including naturalization application assistance and legal consultations. They also provide classes to prepare for the citizenship interview.
Address: 1501 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (702) 385-2662
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
ACLU of Nevada
While the ACLU primarily focuses on advocacy and civil rights, they often partner with local legal clinics and may provide referrals for citizenship help.
Address: 4362 W Cheyenne Ave, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
Phone: (702) 366-1226
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
UNLV Immigration Clinic
Operated by the UNLV Boyd School of Law, this clinic provides free or low-cost immigration legal services to low-income Nevadans.
Address: 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154
Phone: 702-895-3671
Reno
Northern Nevada HOPES
While primarily a health-focused organization, HOPES connects clients with community legal services and immigrant assistance programs in the Reno area.
Address: 580 W 5th St, Reno, NV 89503
Phone: (775) 786-4673
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission
Provides shelter and support services. They partner with legal and immigration assistance organizations, especially for vulnerable populations.
Address: 355 Record Street, Reno, NV 89512
Phone: (775) 323-0386
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Northern Nevada Legal Aid (NNLA)
Offers legal assistance for immigration and citizenship matters to low-income individuals.
Address: 299 S Arlington Ave, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 329-2727
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
National Non-Profit Resources
If you’re outside of Nevada and looking for guidance, these non-profits offer their services in multiple states remotely.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Provides extensive resources and referrals to trusted immigration legal services.
Address: 1458 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
Supports a network of immigration legal service providers nationwide. Search their directory for help near you.
Address: 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 960, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: (301) 565-4800
United We Dream
The largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country. Offers support and educational resources, especially for undocumented immigrants.
Phone: 866-853-2728
NALEO Educational Fund
Provides bilingual citizenship resources and helps coordinate citizenship drives across the U.S.
Address: 1000 Corporate Center Dr., Ste. 310. Monterey Park, CA 91754
Phone: (213) 747-7606
National Immigration Forum – New American Workforce
Helps immigrants prepare for citizenship through workplace-based programs and online tools.
Address: 50 F Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, US
Free Consultation We’ll help you win the benefits you need to get your life back.
What to Look for in a Citizenship Resource
There are several key factors to look for in a trusted resource. Reputable organizations typically offer free or low-cost services, especially for the Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), making the process accessible. They also provide legal consultations through accredited attorneys or representatives recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ). In addition, programs often include classes, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) and civics test preparation. A trustworthy organization will be accredited by the DOJ or affiliated with well-known national networks like CLINIC or the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).
How Shook & Stone Can Help
While at Shook & Stone, we don’t handle immigration, we do specialize in Social Security
Disability benefits. Once you become a U.S. citizen, we can assist you with applying for Social Security Disability benefits like SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These benefits can be life-changing, offering monthly financial support if you’re unable to work due to a disability.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a powerful milestone. It not only gives you the right to vote and greater protection under the law, but also unlocks Social Security benefits. Whether you live in Las Vegas, Reno, or elsewhere in the U.S., community non-profits are here to support you on that journey. You’re not alone. Help is out there, and your path to citizenship and security starts with knowing where to find assistance. Have questions about Social Security Disability? Contact us today! We’re here to help.
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