Data matches between criminal databases and New York applicants/recipients of food stamps and/or public assistance, which were suspended in November of 2007, are being resumed by OTDA, with the lists of “hits” to be sent to the local districts. Local districts are to process these cases under new policies outlined in the attached, newly issued, GIS. Under the new policy, local districts must not disqualify an applicant or recipient from benefits under the food stamp or public assistance programs unless:
1.the district has evidence that the individual knew about the warrant,
2.the warrant was based on a determination that the individual was “fleeing prosecution, custody or confinement for a felony or attempted felony” AND,
3.(in anticipation of USDA regulations under the “fleeing felon” provision in the 2008 Farm Bill) the issuing jurisdiction confirms that it is seeking the individual with the intent to prosecute.
The district must get a copy of the “flight warrant” under the new policy or a written statement from the issuing jurisdiction on their letterhead with the specific “flight/escape” information.
Given the much more stringent requirements imposed on districts before they disqualify an applicant or recipient as a “fleeing felon,” there should be no more cases of people losing benefits merely because of an outstanding warrant - no matter how old, no matter whether the person knew about the warrant and no matter how little interest the issuing jurisdiction had in prosecution.
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