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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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4.4 Citizenship Requirement In order to receive TANF benefits, the dependent child, the parent, or the caretaker relative must be a citizen of the United States (U.S.) or a qualified non-citizen.

NOTE: Ineligible non-citizens are not required to provide SSNs, information about citizenship, immigration status or other non-financial criteria required for person applying for benefits.

1. U.S. citizens include the following people:

a. A person born in the U.S.;

b. A naturalized citizen; c. A person born outside of the U.S. but whose parents (both mother and father) are U.S. citizens; d. A person born outside of the U.S. who is over 18 years of age, but who has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen. The person must either have a certificate of U.S. citizenship or meet one of the following criteria: i. Born on or after December 24, 1952, and prior to November 14, 1986, and their citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. or its outlying possessions for 10 years or more, at least five of which were after age 14; ii. Born on or after November 14, 1986, and their citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. or its outlying possessions five years or more, at least two of which were after age 14. e. A child born outside of the U.S. who is under 18 years of age and has at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen. The child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence; f. A person lawfully adopted by U.S. citizens; The U.S. is defined as: a. The 50 states b. The District of Columbia c. Puerto Rico d. Guam e. U.S. Virgin Islands f. Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Pagan) g. American Samoa Nationals h. Swains Island Nationals

2. Eligible Non-Citizens Prior to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity and Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, an individual could be potentially eligible for TANF benefits by being a U.S. Citizen or a legal