Participants in the SNAP program must be one of the following:
U.S citizen
A non-citizen in a category that makes the individual eligible for SNAP benefits on the same basis a a citizen, including U.S. non-citizen nationals from American Samoa and Swains Island
An individual who is determined to be a qualified non-citizen based on the status assigned by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and meets a condition which allows the individual to receive SNAP benefits either indefinitely or for a limite period of time.
An applicant for SNAP benefits must attest in writing on the PA 600, Application for Benefits, that each individual for whom he or she is applying is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen in lawful immigration status.
7 CFR ยง 273.4(a)
The CAO must review the citizenship or immigration status of each household member.
It is very important that the CAO clearly narrates the following in the Client Information System (eCIS) case comments:
The immigration status of all non-citizens.
Reasons for denying and/or postponing authorization until immigration status is verified by the 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 eCIS.
Revised October 3, 2014, replacing March 1, 2012