This is the July 2013 update of a publication originally issues in 2001 clarifying when in the context of public benefits applications, state and federal government agencies administer public benefits programs can and cannot inquire into the citizenship, immigration status, or social security number of an applicant. This publication specifically addresses who may and may not be asked for this information in cases where the applicant is a U.S. citizen child. Prior versions of this policy were issued in 2001 and 2006. All are available in the NIWAP library.