DIRECTIVE	:	UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 11-89
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	DONALD J. KULICK Administrator for Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	Amendments Made by the Family Support Act of 1988, P.L. 100-485, and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988, P.L. 100-628, Which Affect the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation Program.

1. Purpose. To advise State employment security agencies (SESAs) of amendments to the Social Security Act (SSA) affecting the Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program.

2. References. Section 124 of P.L. 100-485; Section 904 of P.L. 100-628; Sections 303(h), 303(i), 304(a)(2), and 453, SSA.

3. Background. In late 1988, the President signed into law two bills containing provisions affecting the UC program. These bills are the Family Support Act of 1988, P.L. 100-485, signed into law on October 13, 1988; and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988, P.L. 100-628, signed into law on November 7, 1988.

   The pertinent provisions of the Family Support Act require SESAs to take such actions as may be necessary to enable the Secretary of Health and Human Services to obtain prompt access to any wage and UC claims information available to the SESA for purposes of assisting the Federal Parent Locator Service in carrying out the child support enforcement program under Title IV, SSA. This requirement is effective January 1, 1990.

   In addition, the provisions of the Family Support Act require the Secretary of Labor to enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to give the FPLS prompt access to the above wage and UC information. This agreement will govern the specific details of implementation. Further details regarding this agreement will be issued at a later date.

   The relevant provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act require SESAs to disclose wage and UC claims information to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and public housing agencies under certain circumstances. This requirement is effective for most State's beginning September 30, 1989, and ceases to be effective beginning October 1, 1994. The amendments make Provision for optional early implementation by States as well as for a grace period for individual States under described circumstances. The text, explanations and interpretations of each of these amendments are provided in the attachments to this UIPL.

   The Provisions of the McKinney Act Amendments also require the Secretary of Labor to prescribe regulations governing how often and in. what form information may be disclosed, and to Provide for safeguards on disclosed information. The Department is currently working on these regulations which will be published for comment in the Federal Register.

   Finally, the McKinney Act Amendments contain provisions creating the "Jobs for Employable Dependent Individuals Act" Although these provisions do not place any new requirements on SESAs, SESAs may receive-requests from. State agencies administering these provisions for certain wage information. The Employment and Training Administration is currently working on the implementation of these amendments. A separate UIPL will be issued discussing disclosure made under these new Provisions.

4. Action Required. SESAs are requested to notify appropriate staff of these amendments.

5. Inquiries. Inquiries should be directed to the appropriate Regional Office.

6. Attachments. 

   Attachment I, Text, Explanation and Interpretation of Amendments made to the Social Security Act by Section 124 of P.L. 100-485, the Family Support Act of 1988.

   Attachment II, Text, Explanation and Interpretation of Amendments made to the Social Security Act by Section 9041cl(1) of P.L. 100-628, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless assistance Amendments Act of 1988.

   Attachment III, Text of Sections 904(c)(2) and (3) of P.L. 100-628, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988.