(Revised 04/01/04 ML #2914)
In addition to purposes directly related to the administration of assistance programs, information concerning recipients is available to individuals and/or agency representatives of federal or federally assisted programs that provide aid, in cash or in-kind, to people on the basis of need. However, protected health information and information received through the computer database from the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration cannot be disclosed to agencies outside the Economic Assistance Policy Division.
Food Stamp Program and TANF Program information may be disclosed to individuals administering SSI, the Jobs Opportunities and Basic Skills Program, BEST Program, Food Distribution Program (commodities) for households on or near Indian reservations, and may include agreements included in Memorandum of Understandings between the Department and other agencies.
Information may be released if there is a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Assistance Policy Division with the exception of information received through the database from the Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.
Release of information to other individuals or agencies may be made with the recipient's signed consent, via SFN 1059, "Authorization to Release Information." (212 kb pdf)