1401 Computer Matches Overview

Georgia State Seal

Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
TANF Policy Manual

Policy Title:

Computer Matches Overview

Effective Date:

January 2020

Chapter:

1400

Policy Number:

1401

Previous Policy Number(s):

MT 29

Updated or Reviewed in MT:

MT-52

Requirements

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

Basic Considerations

The client’s primary Social Security number (SSN) is matched with the SSNs contained in other government agency files. The information associated with the SSNs is compared. Discrepancies are identified for follow-up and investigation.

Computer matches made possible by using the client’s SSN are intended to detect income and resources that may not have been reported. Computer matches may also provide other information required to establish eligibility and benefit levels.

Information obtained from the computer matches is used for the following purposes:

  • to verify the client’s eligibility,

  • to verify the proper amount of benefits/income received from other agencies for example, Social Security, SSI, Unemployment Compensation Benefits, etc. This information is used to determine whether recipients are eligible to receive the benefits to which they are eligible, and,

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

Computer matches are accessed via system terminals or through personal computers connected to the system.

Users must have a valid password that is obtained from the state office.

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

Additional information about securing federal tax information, unauthorized access to or release of IRS/BEERS information is available in Section 1410 of the policy manual.

Any UCB or TANF information from another state that is received on interstate matches should be regarded as verified.