You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien resident to receive WFNJ benefits. A qualified alien who was in this country before August 22, 1996 may still receive benefits.

A person who enters the country on or after August 22, 1996 who is not a citizen is not eligible for benefits for a period of five years - except for special categories of aliens. These include, for example: Amerasian immigrants, Cuban or Haitian entrants, refugees, asylees or parolees.

For information on how to become a U.S. citizen, call the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) toll-free: 1-800-375-5283.