One of the provisions of the Food stamp Fram Bill of 2002 is the restoration of food stamp eligibility to qualified noncitizens who are otherwise eligible and who are receiving or are certified to receive disaiblity benefits regardless of the date of entry into the U.S.

Effective April 1, 2003, the Farm Bill restores food stamp eligibility to qualified noncitizens as defined in 106 CMR 362.240 who have lived in the United States for five years or longer.

Effective April 1, 2003, the Farm Bill restored food stamp eligibility to Legal Permanent Residents and other qualified noncitizens as defined in 106 CMR 362.240 who have lived in the United States for five years or longer. Based on BEACON noncitizen information, 1,630 noncitizens (former SSFSP recipients) do not appear eligible for federal food stamp benefits This field operations memo: * Discusses the notice that was sent to noncitizens (former SSFSP recipients) that do not appear eligible for federal food stamp benefits. * Provides information regarding a report of these ineligible noncitizens. This report will be sent separately by e-mail.

Effective October 1, 2003, the Farm Bill restores food stamp eligibility to qualified noncitizen children under 18 years old, regardless of their date of entry into the United States (see 106 CMR 362.220(A)). In addition, beginning October 1, 2003, eligible children will be exempt from Noncitizen Sponsorship Deeming requirements.

There are about 2,000 EAEDC noncitizen elders who are not getting food stamps because of the federal 5-year bar. These elders can now qualify for food stamps if a doctor verifies that the individual has a severe mental or physical impairment that will last 12 months or result in death and prevents substantial gainful activity in light of the person's age, education, and work experience. Initially, DTA will give EAEDC elders the form at application, redetermination and other times when the person is in the office. Eventually, DTA will do outreach to these clients. Even if an elder is not scheduled for any contact with the local office, they can bring in the completed form (or fax it to the worker)and ask to apply for Food Stamps.

FS and TAFDC eligibility for LPR children and adults in country less than 5 years; when verification of citizenship is and is not required.

Who counts as a licensed medical professional for purposes of the form verifying disability of noncitizen elder on Food Stamps; expedited Food Stamps still requires inquiry about assets for individuals who fit into new categorical eligibility categories.

Actual utility costs should only be used if the exceed the SUA; otherwise the SUA must be allowed if the person pays the utility. Immigrants who get TAFDC disability exemptions are eligible for federal Food Stamps if DES finds that their disability meets or equals SSI criteria.