DCL-9903 Completeness and Reliability of State Data Reporting

DCL-99-03 Jan 5, 1999

TO ALL IV-D DIRECTORS

RE: Completeness and Reliability of State Data Reporting

Dear Colleague:

This notice is to remind States of the importance of reporting complete and accurate information on Federal forms OCSE-157, OCSE-34A and OCSE 396A. Based on a preliminary assessment of State readiness, OCSE is concerned about the potential consequences for States that do not meet the statutory requirements for data reporting. OCSE is very committed to providing technical assistance to States to meet these reporting requirements.

Effective in fiscal year 1999, the new incentives scheme in section 458A(b)(5)(B) of the Social Security Act (the Act) requires State-reported data to be complete or reliable, or the maximum incentive base amount of the State will be zero. The new incentives provisions will be phased in over three years, with one-third of incentives paid under the new formula the first year, two-thirds the second year and all incentives paid under the new formula beginning in FY2001. In addition, section 409(a)(8)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act requires a State’s TANF funds to be reduced by 1 to 5 percent if the Secretary finds that child support data submitted is incomplete or unreliable.

OCSE is required, pursuant to section 452(a)(4)(C)(i), to conduct audits to assess the completeness, reliability, and security of the data and the accuracy of the reporting systems used in calculating performance indicators under sections 452(g) and 458A of the Act. A State will not be eligible to receive incentive payments under the new formula for FY 1999 performance unless an audit has been conducted and a finding has been rendered that a State’s data is reliable. If you believe that your State system is ready to prepare the necessary forms, and your data to be evaluated for its completeness, reliability and security, please contact Keith Bassett, Director, OCSE Division of Audit, at (202) 401-9387, to discuss your situation.

If you have questions, please contact Joyce Pitts at (202) 401-5374.

Sincerely,

David Gray Ross

Commissioner

Office of Child Support Enforcement