MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

This memo is to introduce the new Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS) report. There are three types of matches; Interstate, Federal and Veterans Administration (VA). The PARIS match process provides computer resources from the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to match data from participating states using the participants' Social Security Numbers as the key match indicator. States submit information to the federal government, which matches the records against federal databases and other state reports and then reports individuals whose circumstances warrant further investigation. States are to verify the matched individual's continued eligibility for benefits in their state, and take whatever case action is appropriate.

The PARIS report allows states to communicate quickly with one another for the reasons listed below:

• Determining residency
• Obtaining benefit history data for overpayment processing
• Trying to resolve data discrepancies

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MATCH

As of December 2011, a new Veterans Administration (VA) match called VETNET matches veterans receiving VA benefits with those receiving Income Maintenance benefits. This provides PARIS member states with additional information and greater detail regarding the circumstances of veterans enrolled in state public assistance programs.

Past reports did not include participants in a nursing facility with VA pensions reduced to the $90 personal needs allowance. This report includes these participants.

Eligibility specialists must compare the reported VA benefit amounts with the amount, if any, in FAMIS or the Legacy system to assure the accuracy of the VA payment used to determine eligibility. Past PARIS reports have identified a number of cases that reflect VA income (check amount) that either has not been entered in FAMIS or Legacy at all, or, is greater than the amount currently entered in FAMIS or Legacy.

If questioning a participant's information found on the report, use the following link to the PARIS contact page:  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/paris/reports/statematch/index.html and click on the state to locate the appropriate contact.

When communicating with other states, the eligibility specialists must encrypt the email. Instructions posted on the DSS Website for encrypting and decrypting emails are under the "How do I do it?" section.  Emails between Missouri government entities do not have to be encrypted.

During the application interview and review, the MHABD applicant or participant must agree to take steps to acquire any other types of benefits to which they may be entitled, unless they can show good cause for not doing so. Refer to Income Maintenance manual section 1000.000.00 DECEMBER 1973 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. Additional benefits include annuities, pensions (VA), retirement, and disability benefits.

There are other VA benefits the applicant/participant might be eligible for in addition to a pension or monetary benefit. Visit the National Resource Directory for information on military and VA benefits, military pay, disability compensation, Social Security benefits and other resources for veterans and their families and beneficiaries. Also, Veterans & Beneficiaries Receive 2012 Cost of Living Adjustment – Information Available on-Line for E-Benefits Enrollees gives the new compensation and pension benefits beginning January 1, 2012.

Another resource for Veterans is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Vow to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.  Refer to Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Fact Sheet.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with all staff.
• Compare the PARIS benefit report to what is currently in FAMIS or Legacy and request accurate verification from participant to correct any budgets, per policy.
• Ask applicant/participant at every interview if they could possibly be entitled to any veteran benefits and give resource sites for families to explore.

DH