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This topic contains information on the following subjects:
1. Master Participant Index (MPI) numbers;
3. Eligibility Information System (EIS) participant numbers;
4. EIS case numbers;
When information about a person has been entered for the first time, ACTS creates a participant record and assigns an identification number to the participant. This Master Participant Index (MPI) number uniquely identifies the participant. Even if a participant's CSE case is closed and purged from the system, the MPI number remains assigned to that participant.
MPI numbers are assigned sequentially when the participant record is created. For example, if a participant record is created at one moment in one county and is assigned MPI # 2000, the next participant record that is created (even in another county) is assigned MPI # 2001.
For Public Assistance (PA) cases, ACTS informs the Eligibility Information System (EIS) of the MPI and CSE case (IV-D) numbers for the client and child through the ACTS/EIS interface. Then future communications between ACTS and EIS about these people will refer to the correct participants and cases in both systems.
When participants are "linked" to form a case, ACTS assigns a unique identification number to the case. This CSE case (IV-D) number remains assigned to that case, even if a case is closed and purged from ACTS.
As with the MPI number, ACTS chooses the next available number to assign as a CSE case number. Therefore, the IV-D number does not reveal where a case was created or what type of case it is.
If a case changes from being a PA case to a NPA case, or vice versa, this change has no effect on the IV-D number. It always remains the same.
Every client and child in a IV-A, IV-E, MAO, or SFHF case is assigned an individual Eligibility Information System (EIS) participant number. It is also sometimes referred to as the “EIS Individual ID”. These numbers are ten (10) characters in length (nine numeric digits and one alphabetic character either at the beginning OR at the end.)
ACTS records these numbers when a case is referred over the ACTS/EIS or when caseworkers enter them. A participant's MPI number is most often used when caseworkers or ACTS communicate with the Public Assistance agency about a case; however, recording the EIS participant number can facilitate communication about certain cases or situations. ACTS also uses the EIS Individual ID # of a child in a CSE case to determine whether or not the annual $25 fee for CSE services should be assessed for that case.
Every IV-A, IV-E, MAO, or SFHF case also has an EIS case number. This number is assigned by EIS and associated with the client on the EIS case. It is recorded in ACTS when the case is referred over the ACTS/EIS interface. When ACTS or a worker communicates with the Public Assistance agency about the case, the MPI number is used most often. However, recording the EIS case number can facilitate communication about certain cases or situations. The amount of Public Assistance that has been paid to the client is recorded under the EIS case number and is used to determine the shares of arrearage payments that should be provided to the state and to the client.
Whenever the Food Stamp case number is available for a participant in ACTS, this number is recorded in ACTS along with other information about the participant. This allows caseworkers to use the Food Stamp system to locate NCPs.
NOTE: The Federal Food Stamp Program has been renamed the "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" (SNAP). North Carolina has elected to call this program "Food & Nutrition Services" (FNS). The name of the Food Stamp Information System remains unchanged.
The Social Security Number has several very important uses. When new cases are referred to ACTS through the EIS interface, the SSN is often used to determine if participants are already recorded in the system. In new NPA cases, caseworkers can also use the SSN for this purpose. Many of the interfaces used to locate NCPs, their income, and their assets require an accurate SSN.
ACTS can receive SSNs through the ACTS/EIS interface when workers enter new NPA cases or update PA or NPA cases. The system can also receive SSNs through some of the Locate interfaces.
A participant can have more than one SSN recorded in ACTS. If so, all alternate SSNs are searched to prevent duplicate SSNs and duplicate participants from being entered into the system.
Section 7 (b) of the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a) requires that individuals be advised of the mandatory collection of Social Security numbers, what statutory authority the agency has to request the numbers, and what uses will be made of this information. Section 466 (a)(13) of the Social Security Act requires informing individuals that the disclosure of Social Security numbers (SSNs) is mandatory and that the CSE programs uses these numbers for purposes of location, the establishment of paternity and support, and the enforcement and modification of support obligations. The Application And Cover Letter For IV-D Services (DSS-4451) and the Appointment/Demand Letter To AP (DSS-4460) have language supporting this requirement.
However, CSE safeguards the disclosure of SSNs. If the entire SSN is not required or necessary for proper processing, only the last four (4) digits might be displayed on certain documents that are generated through ACTS.
North Carolina law does not require that the parties' SSNs be included in child support orders. However, the SSN might be required either in documents or records pertaining to the following:
The Federal Case Registry (FCR) interfaces with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to identify Social Security numbers for participants who are submitted without SSNs and to verify SSNs for participants who are submitted with SSNs.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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