Effective Dates: 09/15/2026 - Present Previous | Next

TN 73 (09-26)

SI 00502.115 Verification of Alien Eligibility with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

A. Introduction

All noncitizens must submit acceptable documentation of their immigration status (e.g., as a qualified alien, etc.). To ensure program integrity, we must verify the immigration status of all noncitizens who are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (prior to adjudicating the claim), are subject to a redetermination, or whose immigration status has changed. This applies regardless of the appearance or type (e.g., Certificates of Naturalization) of immigration document. To verify nearly all immigration documents, we use the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program. This tool provides timely, authoritative information to support eligibility determinations.

Use the following chart to find the information that you need:

TOPIC

POMS REFERENCE

Policy for when to verify immigration document(s) for Title XVI

See SI 00502.115B.

Procedure for verification of immigration documents

See SI 00502.115C.

Overview of SAVE verification process

See SI 00502.115D.

Documentary evidence requirements for Canadian-born American Indians who are in the U.S. under section 289 of the INA and noncitizen members of Federally recognized Indian tribes

See SI 00502.105

Documentary evidence requirements for qualified aliens

See SI 00502.130

B. Policy for when to verify immigration document(s) for Title XVI

All noncitizens applying for or receiving SSI must have their immigration or Certificate of Naturalization status verified through the SAVE program. This requirement applies to all initial claims prior to approval, immigration status changes, and redeterminations. For more information, see GN 00303.610A.2.

For documentary evidence requirements to establish potential SSI eligibility, see SI 00502.130. For general alien development rules for noncitizens, see SI 00502.110.

If the individual indicates they do not have a current immigration 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.

NOTE: This policy supersedes any prior guidance that allowed adjudication without SAVE verification based solely on document appearance and completeness.

Reminder: Per GN 00303.610B.1, the claimant must submit an original immigration document.

C. Procedure for verification of immigration documents

Follow instructions in GN 00303.610B to verify an alien's immigration document for purposes of verifying their alien immigration status.

D. Overview of SAVE - Verification Process

1. Submitting SAVE Verification

  • •

    Whenever a noncitizen claimant presents an immigration document issued by DHS, initiate a SAVE query to verify eligibility status. Access SAVE via the I-Main website (see MS 02902.001).

  • •

    SAVE verification is required for all noncitizen Title XVI claims prior to approval, redeterminations, and immigration status changes, regardless of the type or appearance of the DHS-issued document.

  • •

    Follow standard SAVE verification procedures in GN 00303.610 through GN 00303.640.

2. Handling SAVE Responses

  • •

    If SAVE confirms a potentially SSI-eligible alien status, proceed with eligibility development, including development of other eligibility factors in SI 00502.100A.3.

  • •

    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.

  • •

    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.

3. Documenting SAVE Results

  • •

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

  • •

    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. 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.

4. Pending Decisions

A pending decision (e.g., asylum application, adjustment of status pending) does not establish eligibility unless SAVE confirms potential SSI eligibility. 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.

5. Sponsorship Verification (if applicable)

If SAVE indicates the individual has a sponsor, refer to SI 00502.240 for procedures on verifying affidavits of support and sponsor deeming information.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0500502115
SI 00502.115 - Verification of Alien Eligibility with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - 09/15/2026
Batch run: 09/15/2026
Rev:09/15/2026