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Chapter: 1400 Technical Requirements Program: FS 1 1410.0000 Food Stamps The eligibility specialist must determine if each individual meets the appropriate requirements for food stamps. If the individual does not meet the applicable requirements, the individual is technically ineligible. 1410.0001 Food Stamp Technical Factors (FS) The technical factors that may be considered are:

1. citizenship/noncitizen status, 2. Social Security number, 3. residency, 4. identity, 5. living arrangement, and 6. employment and training. 1410.0100 CITIZENSHIP/NONCITIZEN STATUS (FS) The eligibility specialist must evaluate the citizenship status for each individual who applies for food stamps. 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. 1410.0101 Declaration of Citizenship/Noncitizen Status (FS) 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 recertification. An adult applicant or authorized representative may sign the application declaring the citizenship/noncitizen status of all members. 1410.0102 Definition of U.S. Citizenship (FS) To be considered a U.S. citizen, an individual must meet one of the following conditions:

1. be born in the U.S. 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 individual’s 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 birth either through individual naturalization, or derived from a naturalized parent.

3. be adopted by a U.S. citizen.