Disclosure of Confidential Information

The use or disclosure of information received from applicant households shall be restricted. (A) Disclosure of Information to Clients. If there is a written request by a responsible member of the household, its currently authorized representative, or a person acting on its behalf, to review materials in its case file, the material and information in the case file shall be made available for inspection in the presence of a Department employee during normal business hours. However, the Department may withhold confidential information, such as the names of individuals who have disclosed information about the household without the household's knowledge or the nature or status of pending criminal prosecutions. (B) Disclosure of Information to Law Enforcement Officials. The Department shall make available, upon request, to any federal, state or local law enforcement officer the address, Social Security number and photograph of a SNAP household member if the officer furnishes the member's name and notifies the Department that the member is either: (1) fleeing prosecution, custody or confinement for a felony, is violating a condition of parole or probation imposed under federal or state law; or (2) has information necessary for the officer to conduct an official duty related to a felony or parole violation. The request must be made in the proper exercise of an official duty and locating or apprehending the member is an official duty. (C) Disclosure of Information to All Others. With the exception of 106 CMR 360.400(B), the Department shall restrict the use or disclosure of information obtained from applicant households to persons directly connected with the administration or enforcement of the Food Stamp Act and its amendments or regulations.