Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended; Computer Matching Program (SSA) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Match Number 1016

AGENCY:

Social Security Administration (SSA).

ACTION:

Notice of Computer Matching Program.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act, as amended, this notice announces a computer matching program that SSA plans to conduct with IRS.

DATES:

SSA will file a report of the subject matching program with the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The matching program will be effective as indicated below.

ADDRESSES:

Interested parties may comment on this notice by either telefax to (410) 966-2935 or writing to the Associate Commissioner, Office of Program Support, 2-Q-16 Operations Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235-6401. All comments received will be available for public inspection at this address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

The Associate Commissioner for Program Support as shown above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. General

The Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (Public Law (Pub. L.) 100-503), amended the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) by describing the manner in which computer matching involving Federal agencies could be performed and adding certain protections for individuals applying for and receiving Federal benefits. Section 7201 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508) further amended the Privacy Act regarding protections for such individuals. The Privacy Act, as amended, regulates the use of computer matching by Federal agencies when records in a system of records are matched with other Federal, State, or local government records.

It requires Federal agencies involved in computer matching programs to:

(1) Negotiate written agreements with the other agency or agencies participating in the matching programs;

(2) Obtain the Data Integrity Boards' approval of the match agreements;

(3) Furnish detailed reports about matching programs to Congress and OMB;

(4) Notify applicants and beneficiaries that their records are subject to matching; and

(5) Verify match findings before reducing, suspending, terminating, or denying an individual's benefits or payments.

B. SSA Computer Matches Subject to the Privacy Act

We have taken action to ensure that all of SSA's computer matching programs comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act, as amended.

Notice of Computer Matching Program, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

A. Participating Agencies

SSA and IRS.

B. Purpose of the Matching Program

The purpose of this matching program is to establish conditions under which IRS agrees to disclose to SSA certain return information for use in verifying eligibility for, and/or the correct amount of, benefits provided under Title XVI of the Social Security Act to qualified aged, blind and disabled individuals, and federally administered supplementary payments of the type described in section 1616(a) of such Act (including payments pursuant to an agreement entered into under section 212(a) of Pub. L. 93-96, 87 Stat. 152).

C. Categories of Records and Individuals Covered by the Matching Program

Section 1631(e)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(e)(1)(B)) and section 6103(1)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6103(1)(7)).

D. Inclusive Dates of the Match

The matching program shall become effective no sooner than 40 days after notice for the program is sent to Congress and OMB, or 30 days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register, whichever date is later. The matching program will continue for 18 months from the effective date and may be extended for an additional 12 months thereafter, if certain conditions are met.