|
|
Immigration Documentation, Verification, and Services
Documentation
Noncitizens must present documentation of “eligible” U.S. immigration status for the applicable program prior to the issuance of benefits. Noncitizens without acceptable USCIS documentation are NOT eligible for CalWORKs, GA, CAPI or CalFresh. This includes but is not limited to:
- Noncitizens who have entered and remain in the U.S. illegally (without valid USCIS documents), or
- Noncitizens who have remained illegally beyond their departure date, or
- Noncitizens entering the country on work permits.
Noncitizen applicants or recipients who refuse to cooperate with the SSA or who are in the U.S. illegally or for temporary residence only are NOT eligible for CalWORKs, GA, CAPI or CalFresh.
Note: Undocumented noncitizens are not prohibited from claiming PRUCOL status.
Recipients are required to report all changes in immigration status. When immigration status changes occur that cause ineligibility, CalWORKs, GA, CAPI and CalFresh must be discontinued, for the affected individual(s), as soon as an adequate and timely notice of action can be given. Persons who lose full-scope Medi-Cal benefits would be eligible for restricted Medi-Cal benefits, if otherwise eligible.
Verification
The IRCA mandates that the immigration status of each noncitizen must be verified with USCIS as a condition of eligibility for CalWORKs, CalFresh and full-scope Medi-Cal. The SAVE is the system designated by USCIS to provide this information. Clients must provide valid USCIS documentation of noncitizen status before the Noncitizen Number is entered into SAVE to obtain USCIS confirmation. If at RRR or after a break in aid of less than 30 days, the case contains a USCIS verification and the applicant or recipient states that their noncitizen status documentation is lost, the previous USCIS verification must be accepted.
Exceptions
The following are excluded from the SAVE procedures:
- Applicants or recipients of restricted Medi-Cal benefits.
- Applicants or recipients of RCA and GA. However, if the RCA or GA cash case contains CalFresh, SAVE must be completed immediately.
- Clients who claim to fall under the PRUCOL category.
Refer to SAVE Overview for detailed information on the process.
Services
These nonprofit organizations provide one or more of the following services:
- Free education and outreach information, services, and materials about naturalization, DACA, and other immigration remedies potentially available to individuals.
- Screening for eligibility, and assisting with, the application process for:
- Naturalization and any appeals arising from the process,
- Initial or renewal requests of deferred action under the DACA policy with the USCIS, and
- Other immigration remedies.
Clients seeking information about how to obtain legal immigration remedies and available immigration services can visit Immigration Service Contractors to find a local service provider.
Related Topics