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Chapter: 1460 Technical Requirements Program: RAP 35

Note: If a noncitizen provides any form of USCIS documentation, regardless of the expiration date, showing an eligible Immigration Act section, the eligibility specialist must accept the documentation and verify the individual’s status through the VIS-CPS system. When the VIS- CPS system requests secondary verification, benefits may not be withheld pending response from the secondary verification, providing all other technical eligibility factors are met.

If the secondary verification shows that the noncitizen no longer has an eligible immigration status, a Benefit Recovery referral will be initiated for the total amount of assistance received during the interim investigation period. 1460.0115 VIS-CPS (RAP) VIS-CPS must be completed for noncitizens:

1. at application or reapplication, 2. when adding a noncitizen individual, 3. at every review for individuals who do not have a permanent resident status, and 4. any time there is a change to alien status.

A noncitizen who has what appears to be a “good” USCIS document, when VIS-CPS indicates contradictory information, will be considered potentially eligible until secondary verification is returned confirming the status. Do not hold, deny or terminate benefits waiting for the secondary verification. 1460.0117 Noncitizens not Eligible for Assistance (RAP) The following individuals are not eligible for public assistance on the factor of citizenship status:

1. foreign government representatives on official business and their families and servants; 2. visitors for business or pleasure, including exchange visitors; 3. crewmen on shore leave; 4. noncitizens in travel status while traveling directly through the U.S.; 5. treaty traders and investors and their families; 6. foreign students; 7. international organization representatives and individuals and their families and servants; 8. temporary workers including agricultural contract workers; and 9. members of foreign press, radio, film, or other information media and their families.

Verification of these statuses is usually the I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, Annotated with the letters "A" through "L" (A-2, B-1, etc.). 1460.0300 RESIDENCY (RAP) In order to receive public assistance, all individuals must be eligible on the factor of residency. 1460.0301 Residency of Homeless Individuals (RAP) Homeless individuals and residents of public or private nonprofit shelters for the homeless are considered residents. An otherwise eligible individual must not be required to reside in a permanent dwelling or have a fixed mailing address. 1460.0303.01 Residency Requirements (RAP) An individual must satisfy one of the following residence requirements:

1. must reside in the State of Florida with the intent to remain, or