3500 Computer Matches Overview

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
SNAP Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Computer Matches Overview

Effective Date:

November 2019

Chapter:

3500

Policy Number:

3500

Previous Policy Number(s):

MT-50

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-57

Requirements

Applicants and recipients whose resources and income are used to determine eligibility are matched with the files of various governmental agencies.

Basic Considerations

The applicant and/or recipient’s (A/R’s) primary social security numbers (SSN) are matched with the SSNs contained in other governmental agency files. The information associated with the SSNs is compared to information in the Gateway system. Discrepancies are identified for follow up and investigation.

Computer matches, which require the use of the A/R’s SSN, are designed to match income, resources and other pertinent information that is used to determine the household’s eligibility and benefit level.

Computer match information is used for the following purposes:

  • to verify the eligibility of A/Rs

  • to verify the proper amount of benefits

  • to obtain information to use to conduct criminal or civil prosecutions based on receipt of benefits to which recipients are not entitled.

Computer matches are accessed through the Gateway System on the Interfaces module. User’s must have a valid user ID and password which is obtained from the Gateway Security Unit to access this information in the system.

Unlawful access is prohibited. A record of all inquiries by password is kept and monitored by the system.

Consider information received for UCB or TANF on Interstate matches as verified.