Additional SNAP Considerations
A determination that a person is an ineligible non-citizen is not equivalent to a determination that a person is an undocumented non-citizen. It must not be assumed that a non-citizen is undocumented just because they are not eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
Inquiries must not be made about a customer’s immigration status solely based on their appearance or proficiency with speaking or writing English.
A non-citizen will be reported to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ONLY when the household presents a formal order of deportation either during the application or review process.
When a household indicates inability or unwillingness to provide documentation of non-citizen status for any household member, that member must be classified as an Ineligible Non-Citizen. In such cases the local office must not continue efforts to obtain that documentation. It must not be assumed a non-citizen is undocumented because they cannot or do not provide proof of their status. The situation will be narrated in the case record.