Effective Dates: 05/02/2024 - Present

Identification Number:
EM-23070 REV
Intended Audience:All RCs/ARCs/ADs/FOs
Originating Office:ORDP OISP
Title:Enumeration: Online Portal Verification for OTIP Eligibility Letter
Type:EM - Emergency Messages
Program:Records Maintenance (Earnings & Enumeration)
Link To Reference:See Reference at the end of this EM.
 
Retention Date: 04/02/2025

Summary of Changes:
        · Removed all references to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) per updated guidance.
    A. Purpose

      The purpose of this emergency message (EM) is to announce the expanded verification method for U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) certification/eligibility letters used in support of the issuance of a Social Security number (SSN).

    B. Background
      The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA) allows an alien victim of severe forms of trafficking (VSFT) to remain in the U.S. temporarily and receive Federal and State assistance. Unlike most immigration statuses, VSFT status is granted by HHS OTIP. Some VSFTs have a concurrent immigration status granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Currently, if a VSFT submits an OTIP certification/eligibility letter to obtain an SSN, VSFT status must be verified by calling the OTIP verification line (see RM 10211.075H).

      HHS created an online portal, as the custodian of records, for SSA to verify OTIP certification/eligibility letters issued to VSFTs. This EM notifies technicians of the new option to verify OTIP certification/eligibility letters via the online portal. Technicians will still have the option to verify the certification/eligibility letters via telephone.

    C. OTIP Certification/Eligibility Letter Verification Process

      OTIP certification/eligibility letters must be verified using one of the following methods:
        1. Verification of an OTIP certification/eligibility letter via the online portal

          a. Verify the OTIP letter and VSFT status by accessing the online portal via HHS Online Portal.
          b. Key in the HHS Tracking Number located on the OTIP letter and complete one of the three required fields displayed: Date of Birth, Last Name, or Benefits Start Date. Then click “Verify.”
          c. You will receive one of the following messages after you click “Verify.”
                      1. “ELIGIBILE FOR BENEFITS”
                          · Continue to process the SSN application for a non-work SSN.
                        2. “NO CURRENT RECORD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR BENEFITS”
                            · You will receive this message if the HHS Online
                            Portal is unable to verify the letter.
                            · The technician should issue a L-676 (see RM 00299.020) and refer the individual to HHS for additional information.
          2. Verification of an OTIP certification/eligibility letter via telephone

            Verify the OTIP letter and VSFT status by calling the OTIP trafficking verification line at (866) 401-5510 and follow the prompts as directed.

      Direct all program-related and technical questions to your Regional Office (RO) support staff using vHelp or Program Service Center (PSC) Operations Analysis (OA) staff. RO support staff or PSC OA staff may refer questions, concerns, or problems to their Central Office contacts.

      Reference:

      RM 00299.020 Form SSA-L676 - Refusal to Process SSN Application
      RM 10210.020 Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card
      RM 10210.250 Overview of Evidence of Age for an SSN Card
      RM 10210.405 Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card
      RM 10211.420 Employment Authorization for Non-immigrants
      RM 10211.600 Requests for an SSN from a Noncitizen Without Work Authorization
      RM 10211.610 Valid Reasons to Assign an SSN for Nonwork Purposes
      EM-23070 REV - Enumeration: Online Portal Verification for OTIP Eligibility Letter - 05/02/2024