A computer matching program is required pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 for any computerized comparison of two or more automated systems of records, or a system of records with non-federal records, for the purpose of establishing or verifying eligibility or compliance as it relates to cash or in-kind assistance or payments under federal benefit programs.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552a(o), any record contained in a system of records may only be disclosed to a recipient agency or non-federal agency for use in a computer matching program pursuant to a Computer Matching Agreement (CMA) between the source agency and the recipient agency or non-federal agency.
The Department requires CMAs to be developed and approved for any matching program as defined by the statute.