DCL-00-101, Financial Institution Data Match Handbook for State Agencies

DCL-00-101 SEP 22, 2000

TO: ALL STATE IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Financial Institution Data Match Handbook for State Agencies

Dear Colleague:

I am pleased to provide you with a copy of the "Financial Institution Data Match Handbook for State Agencies." The financial institution data match (FIDM) program is a powerful enforcement tool mandated by Public Law 104-193, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Using this new enforcement remedy, which matches delinquent obligors against their financial accounts in banks, credit unions and other institutions, State agencies can easily identify assets through automated processes, and then realize substantial collections toward arrears through lien and levy actions.

The FIDM procedures must provide for automated data exchanges to the maximum extent feasible. The data match is conducted by State agencies with single-state financial institutions (FI) operating within their State. Multistate FIs have the option of matching at the Federal level against a national file of delinquent obligors. The process has been standardized through the issuance of data specifications.

The Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement has developed this handbook as a resource for State agencies as they implement the FIDM program. The handbook covers program requirements, compares the multistate and single-state processes, describes approaches to implementation, and options for operations. The handbook also provides Federal technical support information, State contact lists, forms and answers to frequently asked questions.

Please feel free to contact L. Gina Barbaro, Financial Industry Liaison, at (202) 401-5426, should you have questions or suggestions for future updates to the handbook.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross
Commissioner
Office of Child Support Enforcement

cc: ACF Hub Directors and Regional Administrators
CSE Regional Program Managers

Financial Institution Data Match Handbook for State Agencies (91Kb adobe acrobat)