Food and Nutrition Service has received multiple inquiries as to whether certain Haitian nationals granted Temporary Protected Status are eligible for SNAP benefits.
The purpose of this memo is to clarify SNAP eligibility for certain Haitian orphans.
The new legislation provides that SIVs are eligible for all benefits available to the same extent and for the same period of time as refugees pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigrations and Nationality Act.
FNS guidance of March 20, 2008 provided that the eligibility of Afghani Special Immigrants was in effect through Sept. 30, 2008 under The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2008.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 granted Iraqi and Afghan aliens special immigrant status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Individuals and family members granted this special immigrant status are eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits the same as refugees admitted under the INA, except the period of eligibility cannot exceed six months.