DCL-99-23 Multistate Financial Institution Data Match Election Form Package

DC-99-23

Mar 18, 1998

TO ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

Re: Multistate Financial Institution Data Match Election Form Package

Dear Colleague:

The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is currently distributing the enclosed Election Form Package to the nearly 2,000 identified Multistate Financial Institutions (MSFIs) and financial institution associations. MSFIs will return their completed Election Forms to OCSE no later than June 1999, indicating either their desire to participate in the OCSE data match process or to participate only with the States in which they do business. In the event a MSFI opts out of the OCSE process in favor of participating with individual States, OCSE will notify the affected States immediately.

Also enclosed is a copy of the Data Specifications approved by the Office of Management and Budget. The data specifications provide the record layout for the financial institution data match and should be adopted by all 54 States and Territories.

Please note that Method 2, the Matched Accounts Method, will be the only means of data transmission between MSFIs and OCSE for the multistate match. Method 1, the All Accounts Method, is still available to States that choose to use it in their financial institution data match.

The multistate match is currently on schedule; we will begin distributing the OCSE file to MSFIs July 1999. MSFIs will return the matched data to OCSE beginning in mid-August 1999. OCSE will distribute data to the States within 48 hours of receipt. OCSE will routinely provide States with the number of matches made per MSFI and will also provide MSFIs with the number of matches made per State.

A presentation on the instate and multistate match processes and their potential for significant increases in the collection of arrears is planned for the Child Support Enforcement Workshops scheduled for Washington, DC, St. Louis, MO, and Phoenix, AZ in April 1999.

The implementation of this provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 will provide the children of this nation with the support that they need and deserve.

If you have any questions regarding this information please do not hesitate to contact Ann Barkley at (202) 260-4697.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

Enclosures

Multistate Financial Institution Data Match For Calendar Year 1999
Financial Data Match Specifications Handbook

cc: Regional Program Managers
State FIDM Representatives