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201.7 TANF MANUAL 11/10 Page 1g

5. Secondary Verification Procedures

a. Once the requirement to obtain secondary verification is determined, the agency must initiate the request within 10 work days. Complete the top portion (Section A) of the USCIS Form G- 845S, Document Verification Request. A separate form must be completed for each alien. A copy of the G- 845S form is included in Appendix V to Section 201.

b. Staple readable copies (front and back) of original immigration documents to the upper left corner of Form G-845S. Copies of other documents used to make the initial alien status determination must also be submitted. Other documentation could include marriage records or court documents that indicate the identity or immigration status of the holder.

c. Retain a copy of the completed G-845S in the case record. Mail the completed form to the USCIS office listed below:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 10 Fountain Plaza, 3rd Floor Buffalo, NY 14202

Attn: Immigration Status Verification Unit Do not send bulk mailings. d. While awaiting the secondary verification from USCIS, do not take any negative action against the case or individual on the basis of alien status.

e. Upon receipt of the G-845S, compare the information with the case record. If eligibility of the alien is confirmed, the verification from USCIS must be filed in the case record with the current application. Timely notice must be given to delete the individual from the TANF assistance unit if verification proves an individual's ineligibility. Additionally, if the secondary verification reveals the individual is not an eligible alien, an overpayment has occurred which must be recouped/recovered per 503.8.

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