305.05 Verification of Citizenship SR 94-04, 04/94 (FAM-A)

Verify citizenship with acceptable forms of proof such as: birth or hospital records, voter registration cards, U.S. passport, and INS documentation which certifies citizenship or naturalization

Accept a baptismal certificate if it was recorded within 3 months of the infant’s birth and shows the baptism took place in the U.S.

Verify citizenship at the initial determination of eligibility. Until proof is provided, deny financial and medical assistance for the entire assistance group.

Exception: For medical assistance-only, when acceptable proof of citizenship is not available for a newborn, accept documentation such as a hospital bill which shows that the newborn was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. Accept an affidavit signed by someone who knows the history of the newborn.

The affidavit must state that:

• the signer is a U.S. citizen,

• the signer knows the applicant to be a U.S. citizen, and

• the signer may be fined, imprisoned, or both for giving false information

Substitute verification, such as a hospital bill or affidavit, is good for 1 year only. Then acceptable forms of proof of citizenship are required.