Page 8
Families and Children Manual Section: Non-Financial Eligibility Requirements Policy Manual Number: 005.015 Chapter: Qualified Non-Citizens
August 1, 2024
Division of TennCare 8 date of admission as a T-1 nonimmigrant, a recipient of a T Visa may be eligible for permanent residence status if he: i. Is a person of good moral character; ii. Has complied with any reasonable request for assistance in the investigation during the three- year period; and iii. Will suffer extreme hardship if removed from this country.
c. The Certification Process
The certification process typically takes a few days after HHS is notified that a person has made a bona fide T Visa application or has been granted continued presence status (both of these actions are completed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security). If the status of a person who has received HHS certification changes so that they are no longer eligible, HHS may be required to decertify that individual.
d. Verification of Victim Certification
A toll-free number can be used to verify victims of trafficking: 1-866-401-5510. Before victims can receive benefits, the Eligibility Specialist must call the toll-free trafficking victim verification line to verify the validity of the certification letter and to inform HHS that the individual has applied for program benefits.
8. Battered Immigrants and Children
a. Battered Immigrant Defined
Certain immigrants who have been subjected to battery or extreme cruelty in the U.S. by a family member with whom they reside are qualified non-citizens and are potentially eligible for TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids. The non-citizen must be either:
i. The individual battered; or ii. The parent of a child who is battered; or iii. A child whose parent has been battered.
A family member includes a spouse, parent, or member of the spouse or parent’s family residing in the same household.
If admitted to the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, a battered immigrant and/or child is subject to the five-year period of ineligibility for TennCare Medicaid and CoverKids benefits. The five-year period of ineligibility begins on the date she obtains qualified non-citizen status.