Georgia counties are required by state law to register and use the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program. This program requires that counties verify the legal status of non U.S. citizens who apply for certain public benefits through your county. This program is separate from the federal E-Verify program and will require separate registration. Counties are also required to renew their registration on an annual basis by signing a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
SAVE Registration
Registering for the SAVE program is a three step process. ACCG has prepared instructions on how to register for counties. The county must complete the online registration through the SAVE registration website, submit the ACCG Checklist and complete and return the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) packet to the DHS.
If you need assistance in registering for the SAVE program contact Brandon Hairston with DHS at (202)-443-0324 or at Brandon.Hairston@dhs.gov or sign up for a free webinar through the SAVE website.
SAVE Usage
If you need assistance in using the SAVE program please contact DHS at 1-800-741-5023 for technical assistance, 1-888-464-4218 for general assistance or at SAVE.HELP@dhs.gov for either type of assistance needed. Additional information may also be provided through the SAVE website or the SAVE video.
SAVE Affidavit
Any natural person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a public benefit through the county is required to complete and submit a SAVE Affidavit. This affidavit should be used for all new applications for public benefits and for renewals.
Public Benefits
Georgia counties are required to verify the status of anyone who applies for a public benefit through the county. The benefit may be paid through federal, state or local funds or be administered through a federal, state or local program. Benefits are defined by state statute, O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1, by federal statute, 8 U.S.C. 1611 and 8 U.S.C. 1621, and by the Office of the Attorney General. ACCG in partnership with GMA also created a list of common public benefits that counties and cities may have. These benefits are listed as part of the ACCG-GMA checklist that are provided to DHS as part of the SAVE registration.
Local Public Benefits Identified by ACCG and GMA
List of Public Benefits from the Office of the Attorney General
State and Local Public Benefits Defined by Federal Law
Federal Public Benefits Defined by Federal Law
Approved Secured and Verifiable Identification Information
Beginning on January 1, 2012, any person seeking a public benefit must show a secure and verifiable document. Acceptable documents have been identified by the Office of the Attorney General. A county may not accept a Matricula Consular de Alta Seguridad, matricula consular card, consular matriculation card, consular identification card, or similar identification card for this purpose.
Secure and Verifiable Document List from the Office of the Attorney General
Drivers License and Identification Card List from the Office of the Attorney General
SAVE Reporting
Each year by January 1st, counties must submit a report to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This report will identify any public benefits administered by the county and a listing of each public benefit for which SAVE authorization for verification has not been received.
Reporting instructions and requirements can be found on the DCA public benefit reporting website.
SAVE Website
