305.05 Verification of Citizenship SR 99-03, 02/99 (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 of each household member at the initial determination of eligibility. Deny financial and medical assistance to any individual who does not provide proof of citizenship status.

Exception: Do not require verification of citizenship of a Healthy Kids-Silver (HKS) child if the parent declares that a child is a US citizen on the application. However, if the parent voluntarily furnishes documentation of the child’s citizenship, e.g., by providing a birth certificate to verify the child’s age, accept it. If the parent declares that the child is not a citizen, require documentation to verify the child’s alien status in accordance with this Chapter.

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 has first hand knowledge of the history of the newborn.

The affidavit must state that the signer:

• Is a U.S. citizen;

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

• May be fined, imprisoned, or both for giving false information.

Exception: Affidavits are not acceptable verification of qualified alien status.

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