In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is providing notice of a reestablished computer matching program between FNS and the state agencies that administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The matching program allows state agencies access to the Electronic Disqualified Recipient System (eDRS), a national database operated by FNS. The system maintains records of SNAP disqualifications imposed by state agencies on individuals who have been found to have committed an intentional program violation (IPV). State agencies need access to nationwide disqualification information to meet program integrity requirements because a disqualification in any state applies to SNAP nationally.
Matches against eDRS enhance program integrity by providing state agencies assistance in determining eligibility for SNAP benefits and the proper disqualification length when imposing a new disqualification.
Dates
The deadline for comments on this notice is Feb. 3, 2021. The effective date of the reestablished matching program will be not sooner than 30 days from the publication of this notice, provided no comments are received that result in a contrary determination. The matching program will be conducted for an initial term of 18 months and, within three months of expiration, may be renewed for one additional year if the parties make no change to the matching program and certify that the program has been conducted in compliance with the agreement.