United States (U.S.) citizens, certain qualified non-citizens and non-citizens who are not “qualified” may receive SNAP benefits as long as they meet other eligibility conditions. The CAO must review the citizenship or immigration status of each household member. 7 CFR § 273.4(a)
It is very important that the CAO clearly narrates the following in the Client Information System (CIS) case comments:
The immigration status of all non-citizens.
Reasons for denying and/or postponing authorization until immigration status is verified by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
The CAO must use one of the following reason codes on the Notice to Applicant or Advance Notice of Adverse Action when authorizing SNAP benefits or closing benefits for non-financial reasons,:
658-Ineligible Alien
659-Alien Certification Pending Verification
Remember that ineligible non-citizens living in a SNAP household with eligible non-citizens and/or U.S. citizens must be listed as non-eligible household members (NM) in CIS.
Reissued March 1, 2012 replacing March 29, 2008