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FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES MANUAL

GENERAL PROCEDURES & REQUIREMENTS FNS 160 AUTOMATED INQUIRY AND MATCH PROCEDURES

2 Section 160 Change 03-2021 June 1, 2021 160.02 NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY (DES) Access to DES files is available through NC FAST on-line data matches. Use NC FAST on- line data matches information as part of the eligibility determination process at application, reapplication, and recertification. Information gained through the DES match is used to discover leads of possible wages, previous work history, potential eligibility for Unemployment Benefits (UIB), and to verify current UIB income. Refer to NC FAST Help for instructions regarding access to the DES inquiry. A. At application, reapplication and recertification request NC FAST on-line data matches for DES. Use all reported SSN’s to obtain online data matches in NC FAST for each FNS unit member’s wage and UIB data to discover leads of possible wages, previous work history, and potential eligibility for UIB. County DSS are not required to print copies of the online data matches as NC FAST will maintain a history of all data matches performed. B. If the inquiry shows the FNS unit member has wages or UIB, compare the place and period of employment and quarterly earnings or the amount of UIB shown by DES to the information provided by the applicant. Document the findings on the appropriate evidence in NC FAST. C. Follow up on all leads by discussing them with the applicant. Document the applicant’s response. When a discrepancy between the match and the information provided by the applicant is discovered, obtain verification to determine eligibility. D. If either wages or UIB has been verified and the verification is consistent with the inquiry information, document the source of verification in the appropriate evidence in NC FAST. E. If either wages or UIB was not reported or is incorrect, contact the household to determine continuing eligibility and to resolve the discrepancy. F. Evaluate the verification to determine if the FNS household failed to report wages or UIB benefits during a previous application, reapplication or recertification; or failed to report a required change in situation during a previous certification period. G. If appropriate, follow procedures in Section 800, Claims for overissuance and Section 825, IPV Disqualifications, for suspected Intentional Program Violation (IPV).

160.03 BENEFICIARY DATA EXCHANGE (BENDEX) The BENDEX System is a computer match by Social Security Number (SSN) between the public assistance case files and Social Security Administrations records. BENDEX files are available through NC FAST on-line data matches and individual information sheets. Use NC FAST on-line data matches as part of the eligibility determination process at applications, reapplications, and full recertifications. A. NC FAST On-line Data Matches 1. Request NC FAST on-line data matches at application, reapplication, and at each full recertification for every household member using all reported SSN's. Information