Notice of New Computer Matching Program

Summary

In accordance with The Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, USDA FNS is providing notice of a new computer matching program (CMP) between FNS and the state agencies that administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The CMP allows state agencies access to the National Accuracy Clearinghouse (NAC), a national database operated by FNS, as a tool to prevent individuals from receiving SNAP benefits in more than one state simultaneously, commonly referred to as duplicate participation.

State agencies provide information about SNAP applicants and participants to the NAC that is then compared to discover potential duplicate participation. The NAC CMP employs a Privacy-Preserving Record Linkage (PPRL) approach that identifies and links records that correspond to the same individual across different databases, without the need to collect or retain the names, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth of the individuals being matched. State agencies use the PPRL process to convert this information to a secure cryptographic hash before sharing it to the NAC. When a match is found, indicating potential duplicate participation, the NAC notifies the affected state agencies and facilitates communication between the state agencies as they each take action to resolve the match.

The effective date of the new matching program will be no 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.

Request for Comments

Please submit any comments by June 26, 2023.

Interested parties may submit written comments by one of the following methods:

• Preferred: Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Follow the online instructions at that site for submitting comments.
• By email: FNS, SNAP, State Administration Branch (SAB) at SM.FN.SNAPSAB@usda.gov.
• By mail: Maribelle Balbes, Branch Chief, SAB, SNAP, FNS, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Instructions: All comment submissions must include the agency name and docket number for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received go to http://www.regulations.gov.