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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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non-citizen who entered the U.S. before August 22, 1996. However, PRWORA substantially restricted immigrants' eligibility for means-tested benefit programs including TANF. In particular, with few exceptions, PRWORA restricts eligibility for such programs to "qualified non-citizens." Currently the statute limits eligibility for Federal TANF welfare benefits to a select group of legal immigrants.

In addition to U.S. citizens, certain “qualified” non-citizens may also be eligible for benefits. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Services or persons on active duty and their spouse and their unmarried dependent children are eligible to receive benefits if they meet all other eligibility requirements. A discharge certificate (Form DD-214) may be used as verification. NOTE: After one year, most refugees and asylees are eligible for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. Refugees and Asylees remain eligible for TANF benefits after they attain LPR Status. They are exempt from the LPR five-year residency requirement.

3. Qualified Non-Citizen Eligibility The following groups of non-citizens may receive benefits if all other requirements are met, for up to five years from either the date of entry or the date the status is granted. These "qualified" non-citizens are defined by PRWORA, as amended, and include:

Qualified Non-Citizen Documentation Refugee A person who is admitted into the U.S. as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). I-94 indicates “Refugee” per Section 207 of the INA” or I-551stamped RE-6, RE5, RE7, RE8, RE9 Asylee A non-citizen in the United States or at a port of entry who is found to be unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality, or to seek the protection of that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of prosecution. I-94 stamped “Granted Asylum under Section 208 of the INA.” or I-551 or a court letter showing asylum has been granted

Cuban/Haitian Entrant Any individual granted parole status as a Cuban/Haitian entrant or granted any other special status subsequently established under the immigration laws for nationals of Cuba or Haiti, regardless of the status of the individual at the time assistance or services are provided; and Any other national of Cuba or Haiti who is not subject to a final, non-appealable I-94 stamped “Cuban/Haitian Entrant

I-94 Arrival/departure code with a stamp showing paroled into the U.S. or showing Status Pending

CHS Adjustment code on the I-551, Permanent Resident Card Cuban or Haitian passport with a {212(d)(5) stamp dated after 10-10-80 (passport may be expired)