We base our determination about an individual's SSI alien eligibility status (as described in SI 00502.100B), as well as their date of entry into the U.S. or attainment of that status, on documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or an immigration court that have been verified via DHS's online Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

The alien must furnish a current immigration document, and the alien's immigration status must be verified with DHS via SAVE in all cases, including all initial claims prior to approval, redeterminations, and immigration status changes. This applies regardless of the appearance or type (e.g., Certificates of Naturalization) of immigration document. For SAVE verification procedures, see GN 00303.610 through GN 00303.640. For Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status verification procedures, see GN 00303.440.

Use the following procedure to verify the alien's immigration status:

1. 1. 

   Ask the alien claimant/recipient for their current immigration status with DHS.

   NOTE: If a LPR has been in qualified alien status for less than seven years and might be eligible based on prior status as a refugee, asylee, an alien whose deportation or removal has been withheld, or a Cuban/Haitian entrant per SI 00502.108B, also ask about the prior status.

   NOTE: For information about the 1998 "Grandfathering" legislation that affected SSI eligibility for nonqualified aliens who were receiving SSI 00502.153.

   NOTE: American Indians born in Canada and members of federally-recognized Indian tribes who were born outside the U.S. do not have to be "qualified aliens." For documentation requirements for American Indians, see SI 00502.105.

2. 2. 

   Scan legible copies of both sides of the immigration document into the electronic folder (e.g., Evidence Portal, eView). If the document includes an Alien Registration Number (ARN or A#), enter the ARN in Person Information. Return the immigration document to the claimant.

   If the individual indicates they do not have a DHS-issued document, provide the SAVE fact sheet, "SAVE Records: Fast Facts for Benefit Applicants," which provides information on contacting DHS to update, correct, or replace immigration documents.

   If the individual does not ultimately provide the required DHS evidence, follow usual closeout procedures in SI 00601.110 to deny the claim (N18).Verify the immigration status via an online SAVE request. Access SAVE via the I-MAIN website. See GN 00303.630 for submitting and interpreting a SAVE response.

3. 3. 

   Verify the immigration status via an online SAVE request. Access SAVE via the I-MAIN website. See GN 00303.630 for submitting and interpreting a SAVE response. After receiving the SAVE response, update the status code on the record as appropriate and store a copy of the SAVE response in the electronic folder. Once the immigration status has been verified via SAVE, continue developing other eligibility requirements, as appropriate.

   1. a. 

      If SAVE confirms a potentially SSI-eligible alien status, proceed with alien eligibility development, including development of other alien eligibility factors in SI 00502.100A.3, (e.g., 40 qualifying quarters, veteran or military status, or spouse, widow(er) or child relationship to a veteran or military service member, or blind/disabled and lawfully residing in the U.S. on 8/22/96).

      1. i.  

         If the qualified alien meets one of the other eligibility factors in SI 00502.100A.3, follow notice procedure in SI 00502.410A. Establish an AT diary to reverify immigration status if needed based on the granted immigration status (e.g., parolee or conditional LPR).

      2. ii.  

         If the qualified alien does not meet one of the other eligibility factors in SI 00502.100A.3, deny the claim (N13). Follow notice procedure in SI 00502.410B.

   2. b. 

      If SAVE indicates the individual does not have lawful immigration status or the individual has a lawful immigration status but is not an SSI-eligible alien, the claimant is not eligible for SSI benefits.

   3. c. 

      If SAVE returns a message to "Institute Additional Verification" or "Resubmit Doc (Need Copy Original)," follow the appropriate next steps in the SAVE process, as outlined in GN 00303.630.

4. 4. 

   Annotate the SAVE verification results in the Report of Contact (DROC) page and adjudicate the claim as appropriate in the Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE).

5. 5. 

   A pending decision (e.g., asylum application, adjustment of status pending) does not establish eligibility unless SAVE confirms a current qualified alien status. If an alien attains eligible status while the claim is pending, find SSI eligibility as of the first day in which all factors of eligibility (including citizenship/eligible alien status) are met. Apply the application effective date rules in SI 00601.009 to initial claims filed 8/22/96 or later where the individual attains eligible alien status or naturalizes while the application is pending.

6. 6. 

   If the individual has a sponsor or if sponsor deeming rules apply, refer to SI 00502.240 for procedures on verifying affidavits of support and sponsor information.

• •

  GN 00301.300 - Examples of Completed Evidence Screens

• •

  GN 00303.440 - Determining LPR Status

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  SI 00502.400 through SI 00502.500 - Notices Background

• •

  SI 00502.200 - Sponsor-to-Noncitizen Deeming (1996-1997 Legislation)

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  SI 00601.110 - Final Request - Failure to Cooperate (N18) - Initial Claims

• •

  SI 00601.009 - Application Effective Date

• •

  SI 02220.001 - Recovery Procedures for SSI Overpayments - General