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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FNS 227 NON-CITIZEN REQUIREMENTS

24 Section 227 Change #1-2026 February 1, 2026 c. Issue benefits based on acceptable documentation provided; d. Monitor SAVE work queue for response (task created automatically); and, e. Take appropriate action when verification is received Policy: Do NOT delay, deny, reduce, or terminate benefits pending additional SAVE verification if the individual has provided acceptable documentation of their claimed status. If otherwise eligible based on claimed documented status and all other eligibility requirements, authorize benefits based on the documentation provided while verification is pending. Document in NCFAST the date of the agency's transmission to USCIS. G. Inability to Verify 1. After complying with USDA’s requirements for verification of the validity of the non-citizen’s USCIS documents, if SAVE ultimately cannot verify eligible non-citizen status based on the documentation provided by the non-citizen applicant: a. Determine the individual as an ineligible non-citizen; b. Document in NCFAST the use of SAVE and the responses received from USCIS. c. Take appropriate action to deny, reduce, or terminate benefits through written notice a DSS-8551 or DSS-8553. d. Provide households the opportunity to request a fair hearing through the appropriate adverse action notice. H. Treatment of Income and Resources of Ineligible Non-Citizens. If the applicant fails to provide documentation of non-citizen status or if SAVE ultimately cannot verify eligibility, consider the non-citizen member an ineligible non-citizen. 1. Refer to FNS 390 Resources, FNS 350 Income, and FNS 340 Deductions for treatment of resources and income for an ineligible non- citizen. I. Documentation: 1. Document the source of verification used for each non-citizen member included in the unit and the date provided in NC FAST using the appropriate evidences. 2. Make a copy, if possible, of the document presented as verification of alien status and enter into NC FAST using the appropriate taxonomy. If verification with USCIS is pending, document the date of the request.