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ESA SNAP Policy Manual 202 15.8 Data Matches ESA may receive information about a SNAP household’s circumstances from data matches during the certification period. ESA must act on these data matches in accordance with this section. 15.8.1 Data Matches Considered Verified Upon Receipt If the data match is considered verified upon receipt (see Section 5.11.3, Data Matches) and the information provided is not questionable, incomplete, outdated or inconsistent:  ESA must consider the information verified and act on it in accordance with Section 15.5.1, Increase in Benefits, or Section 15.5.2, Decrease in Benefits. Example On April 5, ESA receives a data match from DOES indicating that George is receiving unemployment compensation. ESA issues a Notice of Adverse Action on April 6 (which is within 10 days of receiving the data match) and decreases George’s SNAP benefit for May (the month following the month the 15-day adverse action period expires).

15.8.2 Unclear Data Matches Results If the data match is 1) considered verified upon receipt (see Section 5.11.3, Data Matches) but the information provided is questionable, incomplete, outdated or inconsistent or 2) not considered verified upon receipt (other than certain federally required data matches), the data match results are considered unclear. ESA can only act on these changes if the information meets one of the following conditions:  The information is less than 60 days old relative to the current month and the change would have been required for the household to report under simplified reporting in accordance with Section 15.2, What Households Are Required to Report.  The information presents significantly conflicting information from that used at the time of the household’s last certification action (e.g. initial certification, mid-certification, recertification). If the information meets one of the above conditions, follow Section 15.6, Unclear Information. If the information does not meet one of the above conditions, the data match must be noted in the case file. ESA must pursue clarification or verification of this information during the household’s next certification action (i.e. mid-certification or recertification). Return