SUBJECT:
EXPANDED FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY OF VICTIMS OF SEVERE TRAFFICKING
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #5: 1105.010.10.30
DISCUSSION:
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 (TVPRA) has been expanded to include the minor children, spouses; and in some cases the parent and siblings of victims of severe trafficking. Eligibility was originally limited to the victims themselves. Effective immediately, start using the expanded eligibility for victims of severe trafficking for all food stamp applications, recertification, or at the next contact with the EU.
Under TVPRA, the relatives of victims of trafficking are not required to provide any documentation of their immigration status other than the certification letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to verify their immigrant status. Call the trafficking verification line at (1-866-401-5510) to confirm the validity of the certification letter and to inform Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of the benefits for which a victim has applied. Do not contact SAVE concerning victims of severe forms of trafficking.
Make a copy of the certification letter and file it in the case record. Return the original to the immigrant. Accept only the original certification letter to determine eligibility for food stamp benefits. Do not accept any other explanatory letters. These individuals do not have to meet the 5 year waiting period.
Children under 18 years of age are not issued a certification letter, but are issued a different letter by ORR stating that the child is a victim of a severe form of trafficking. The child’s status must be verified by Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by contacting the HHS trafficking victims verification toll free number (1-866-401-5510).
Enter TRA (victims of trafficking) for the status code and the appropriate verification code on the Non-Citizen Information (NONCITZN or FMML) screen. Record a comment regarding when the verification was received and any other information not contained on the Non-Citizen (FMML) screen.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.