Final Report of the Subcommittee on Domestic Trafficking

o<strong>the</strong>r services <strong>the</strong> State wishes to provide. Thus, families must check with <strong>the</strong> TANFagency in <strong>the</strong>ir residential area to learn about eligibility for financial assistance or o<strong>the</strong>rTANF benefits and services.Agency: ACF / OFARepresented on <strong>Subcommittee</strong> by: Steve WagnerI. Domestic VictimsA. Domestic victims who are U.S. Citizens and adults:Adult trafficking victims who are U.S. citizens do not need to receive a certification letterfrom ORR to be eligible for Federal TANF benefits. These benefits are available to U.S.citizens and minors if <strong>the</strong>y meet TANF eligibility requirements.B. Domestic victims who are legal U.S. residents and adults:Adult trafficking victims who entered <strong>the</strong> U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, who arelawful permanent U.S. residents, may receive Federal TANF benefits, if <strong>the</strong>y meet TANFeligibility requirements. However, lawful permanent residents who enter <strong>the</strong> U.S. on orafter August 22, 1996, are statutorily barred for five years from receiving a Federalmeans-tested TANF benefit.C. Domestic victims who are U.S. Citizens and minors (under 18):Trafficking victims under <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> eighteen who are U.S. citizens do not need to receivean eligibility letter from ORR to receive Federal TANF benefits. These benefits areavailable to U.S. citizens and minors if <strong>the</strong>y meet TANF eligibility requirements.D. Domestic victims who are legal U.S. residents and minors (under 18):Trafficking victims under <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> eighteen who entered <strong>the</strong> U.S. on or after August 22,1996, who are lawful permanent U.S. residents, and who have received an eligibilityletter from ORR, may receive Federal TANF benefits if <strong>the</strong>y meet TANF eligibilityrequirements.An eligibility letter is necessary because most qualified aliens, including lawfulpermanent residents, who entered <strong>the</strong> U.S. on or after August 22, 1996 are statutorilybarred for five years from receiving a Federal means-tested TANF benefit. However,certain qualified aliens are exempted from this bar. Exempted qualified aliens includerefugees, asylees, aliens whose deportation is being withheld, Amerasians, Cuban/Haitianentrants, as well as veterans, members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> military on active duty, and <strong>the</strong>ir spouses24