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MS 2915

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Volume 2 - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) MS 2915 – R. 6/30/26 – OMTL – 684 Verification – Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE)

[The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires the verification of the immigration status of aliens applying for benefits. SAVE is the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operating system of verification for this purpose. Use SAVE to reverify the initial documentation of immigration status received from the alien. Any applicant who is not a U.S. citizen is required to carry immigration documentation that contains an Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or an I-94 Admission Number. Use these numbers to access SAVE.

Do not complete a SAVE inquiry on victims of human trafficking. However, do complete a SAVE inquiry on eligible family members of trafficking victims.

The SAVE process must be completed within 30 calendar days of initial application. Complete the SAVE process only once for aliens who have permanent resident status. For all other aliens, repeat the SAVE process at every recertification or until the alien is granted permanent resident status.

Use the following procedure when an alien member applies for SNAP:

A. Obtain initial USCIS documentation of immigration status from the applicant/recipient for any alien who is to be included on the case. If the alien member states they meet the eligibility criteria but they do not have verification, a Request for Information (RFI) can be submitted.

Once verification to determine eligible immigration status has been submitted to the USCIS, the Social Security Administration (SSA), or another federal agency, do not delay, deny, reduce, or terminate the individual’s eligibility. Certify the individual for up to six months from the date of the RFI.

If the verification hasn’t been received and processed by 15 days prior to the six-month expiration date, the system will issue a warning notice to the alien stating their SNAP benefits will cease unless the verification is received by the expiration date. If the verification hasn’t been received and processed by the six-month expiration date, the system will enter a disqualification for the ineligible alien and issue a notice.

If the alien does not wish the Department to contact the USCIS to verify immigration status, the agency must give the household the option of withdrawing its application or participating without that member.

B. At the time the documentation is received, initiate the request for verification by SAVE. Send a memorandum with the following information to the Regional Office:

1. Case name and number; 2. For each alien member: name, the corresponding alien number, birthdate, the type of documentation provided, and if available, the social security number and the I-94 admission number; and 3. Worker name, code, and phone number.