All Programs

Except for the exceptions listed below, permission must be obtained from the customer receiving assistance before sharing any information about that person. If the customer gives permission, information that may be released to the customer may be released to persons other than the customer with written permission from the customer. Documents that contain third party information cannot be released even with the customer’s consent. Mental health information cannot be released to the customer or to a third party.

All written requests must include:

The date the request is made;

The name of the person who will receive the information;

A description of the specific information requested including the time period covered by the request; and

The signature of the client.

Exception #1: In an emergency, as determined to exist by the Department's Information Disclosure Officer, information may be released to persons other than the customer before permission is obtained.

Exception #2: It is not necessary to obtain the customer’s permission when the request is NOT for Income Match information; AND the agency making the request has comparable rules for safeguarding its records, AND the person making the request needs the information to administer financial assistance programs, child protective service programs or foster care adoption assistance programs. This may be for such purposes as:

To establish eligibility for and participation in a Department of Workforce Services (DWS) assistance program listed in this manual.

To compute the amount of a DWS assistance payment.

To provide related social services. This includes the investigation of child abuse and neglect, child support enforcement, Head Start, Foster Care program including Adoption placement, Families and Communities Together (FACT), and the Native Employment Works (NEW) program.

When a DWS employee has reason to suspect neglect, abuse or exploitation of a child, disabled adult, or elder, the employee must promptly notify the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) by reporting the suspected abuse to the nearest DCFS office.

To assist in any investigation, prosecution, or criminal or civil proceeding connected with the administration of the employment related financial assistance programs.

To administer any other federal needs-based program such as School Meals, Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and Food Distribution.

To certify receipt of assistance for an employer to get a tax credit.

To complete any audit authorized by law.

For Financial and Child Care: Information on a customer may be released to an employee of a law enforcement agency to the extent the disclosure is necessary to avoid a significant risk to public safety or to aid a felony criminal investigation. No information may be released on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers for this purpose.

For All Programs (note limitation on SNAP customers in 3 below) – Information on a customer may be released to a law enforcement officer who is acting in his/her official capacity when the customer:

Is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement for a felony or is in violation of a condition of parole or probation, or

Has information which will assist a law enforcement officer in locating or apprehending an individual who is fleeing to avoid prosecution, custody or confinement for a felony or is in violation of a condition of parole or probation.

The only information which may be released for this purpose on a customer receiving SNAP is the customer’s address, Social Security Number (SSN), and photographic identification.

For SNAP Only – Information on a customer may be released to a law enforcement official for the purpose of investigating an alleged violation of the SNAP Act 7 USC 2011 or any regulation promulgated pursuant to the Act. The written request shall include the identity of the individual requesting the information and his/her authority to do so, the violation being investigated, and the identity of the person being investigated. For this purpose, DWS can release more than just the customer’s address, SSN, and photographic identification to the law enforcement official.