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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: TCA 30 1420.0000 Temporary Cash Assistance The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program has technical (non-financial) factors, which must be considered to determine eligibility.

The eligibility specialist must determine if each individual meets the appropriate requirements for the type of assistance requested. The following sections identify the technical factors that must be considered and the verification requirements for each factor. If the individual does not meet the applicable requirements, the individual is technically ineligible. 1420.0100 CITIZENSHIP/NONCITIZEN STATUS (TCA) The eligibility specialist must evaluate the citizenship/noncitizen status for each individual who applies for TCA. Citizenship information of those family members who are not applying for benefits is not required. Non-receiving members are to be asked only if they are citizens or noncitizens, not their U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services status. 1420.0101 Declaration of Citizenship/Noncitizen Status (TCA) Each applicant applying for public assistance must declare in writing whether each individual in the assistance group (AG) is a U.S. citizen, or a noncitizen in lawful immigration status.

An application declaring the citizenship/noncitizen status must be signed under penalty of perjury for all household members applying for assistance as a condition of eligibility. The form must be signed at application and review. An adult applicant or designated representative may sign the application declaring the citizenship/noncitizen status of all members. 1420.0102 Definition of U.S. Citizenship (TCA) To be considered an U.S. citizen, an individual must meet one of the following conditions:

1. be born in the U.S. or D.C., or a U.S. territory, (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana, American Samoa, Harcon Tract, Swain’s Island, and Guam).

Note: If the individual was born in a former U.S. Territory while it was a territory, a clarification through the Region or Circuit Program Office is required.

The individuals statement of U.S. citizenship is accepted, unless questionable. If questionable, verification is required.

2. be a naturalized citizen. An individual is a naturalized citizen when U.S. citizenship is gained after his or her birth either through individual naturalization, or derived from a naturalized parent.

3. be adopted by U.S. citizen.

A child acquires citizenship through adoption, if they meet all of the following conditions:

a. the child was adopted while under age 16, has been in the legal custody of and has resided with the adopting U.S. citizen parent(s) for at least two years; b. the child is under age 18, or was under age 18 on February 27, 2001; c. the child is/was residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent(s) and; d. the child has a qualified noncitizen status. (See 1420.0105)