MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memorandum is to inform staff of changes to the use of the electronic Disqualified Recipient Subsystem (eDRS.) EDRS is a central registry of individuals who are disqualified from the Food Stamp program because of intentional program violations.

Currently Missouri and some other states use the eDRS. When a disqualification is entered in FAMIS on the Sanction/Disqualification (FMAM) screen, the system will send a batch file of all disqualifications for the state to eDRS. FAMIS also receives a batch file of disqualifications from other states that are added to individuals on the FMAM screen.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) finalized a rule requiring all states to send and receive Food Stamp disqualifications using the eDRS. Effective February 2013 all states are required to use the eDRS system. The eDRS will now track individuals found guilty of intentional program violations in all states.

The FNS rule requiring use of the eDRS states all requests for verification of a disqualification will be responded to in a timely manner. When other states or central office request verification of a disqualification provide the verification within 10 working days. Examples of documentary verification are:

• the signed Waiver of Administrative Hearing (IM-161) form,
• an Administrative Disqualification Hearing decision, or
• a state, federal or local court hearing decision.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff

AC/cb