WAG 03-01-05.
Noncitizens applying for Cash, Medical, or SNAP benefits must prove their immigration status according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Noncitizens who claim proper status
must provide USCIS documents that have the person's Alien Registration A-Number or Admission (I-94) Number or other items that show proof of their current USCIS status. Verify with USCIS all documents provided by the client, using the Systematic Alien
Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program, except trafficking victim status.
SAVE is a 2-part online system. Initial Verification is a computer check of USCIS records; Additional Verification provides further information from USCIS computer records when necessary. SAVE only provides proof of USCIS status; it does not
verify eligibility for any benefit program. DHS determines eligibility for Cash, Medical, or SNAP.
Do not use SAVE for noncitizens who cannot or will not give us information on their USCIS status or who have not applied for benefits for themselves. Only use SAVE for noncitizens who apply for themselves, claim to be in good USCIS status, and give us
some evidence of their status.
Confidentiality of SAVE Records
USCIS protects a person's privacy to the maximum degree possible, in accordance with IRCA and other applicable statutes, such as the SNAP Act of 1977.
Certain confidential data is released to USCIS by the Department during the SAVE verification process. USCIS complies with the Privacy Act by maintaining a Record of Disclosure on all Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers) checked through SAVE. The
record includes the A-Number, date and time of disclosure, agency accessing SAVE, and the immigration status at the time of inquiry.
USCIS retains records on the Additional Verification process to comply with the Privacy Act. If documentation sent to USCIS indicates criminal misuse of USCIS documents, it may be copied by them and sent to their Investigations Division or other law
enforcement agencies. No criminal investigation is initiated unless use of a document is clearly a felony under federal law.
