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August 1, 2019 Division of TennCare 3

Families and Children Manual Section: Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements Policy Manual Number: 005.010 Chapter: Citizenship and Immigration

4. Verification of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status

a. Overview

Declarations of U.S. citizenship and immigration status must be accepted and then verified using an electronic data match with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Federal law requires that the state first attempt to electronically verify citizenship and immigration status using the Federal Data Services Hub (the Hub). When unable to electronically verify citizenship or immigration status of an individual, the individual must provide satisfactory documentary evidence to TennCare.

Verification of U.S. citizenship is a one-time requirement. Once U.S. citizenship has been verified, it will be recorded in the individual’s case and the state cannot request verification again, even if there is a break in coverage. Verification of immigration status is also a one-time requirement, unless the individual attests to, or TennCare receives information indicating, a change in status.

b. Electronic Verification of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status

i. Federal Data Services Hub

1. Applicant Attesting to U.S. Citizenship (Citizenship by Birth)

Confirmation of citizenship status by the SSA via the Hub is considered stand-alone evidence of citizenship. Applicants whose citizenship is confirmed via the Hub are not required to submit additional documentation of citizenship status.

2. Applicant Attesting to U.S. Citizenship (Naturalized and Derived Citizens)

Naturalized or derived citizens will have their citizenship status verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security via the Hub, if available. Applicants must provide their Alien Registration Number and information from their Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship. Verification of citizenship status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security via the Hub is considered stand-alone evidence of citizenship. Applicants whose citizenship is confirmed via the Hub are not required to submit additional documentation of citizenship status.

3. Applicant Attesting to Eligible Immigration Status

Applicants who are able to provide a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Alien Registration Number and/or other immigrant documentation numbers may have their immigration status verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security via the Hub. Electronic verification of immigration status by the U.S. Department of