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AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2003 Awards: Special Recognition Award

WINNER:
Texas
Using Biometrics to Improve the Texas Welfare System

Front, left to right : Jim Rammage, Mark Jenkins, Orlando Salinas Jr., Nadia Saucedo, Shirley Wilson, Kaye Candy, Rita Richardson, Pauline Jackson, Doug Walker Back, left to right: Noel Villarreal, Ginny Booton, Kay Jones, Sherrill Schier, Cindy Hale, Matt Allard, Steve Sinders, Annette Greenfield, Mary Whiteaker, Rosie Young, Gerald Cates, Michael Stumbough

Integrity of government programs like welfare is something that most acknowledge needs to be addressed, but few have been able to successfully accomplish. The Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS) accepted this challenge and soon began in-depth research for a solution. They soon realized that in order to truly provide integrity within the Texas welfare system, a mechanism had to be implemented that could quickly identify applicants/recipients with a 99% or greater accuracy rate, be user friendly, non-intrusive for the applicants, and of course cost effective.

After an exhaustive technology search TDHS determined that the only proven identification technology available was fingerprint biometrics in the form of a Civil AFIS (Automated Finger-Image Identification System). There is no other technology available that has been proven more effective in accurately identifying individuals on a very large scale (over 1 million individuals).

In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1863, which allowed for the implementation of fingerprint biometrics within the Texas welfare system. TDHS then developed the Lone Star Image System (LSIS) in order to implement fingerprint biometrics and the Civil AFIS system within the Texas Welfare Program. LSIS is a comprehensive automated system that obtains, transmits, and matches finger images of the right and left index fingers of TDHS benefit recipients. Today, the LSIS finger imaging policy applies to applicants and recipients of food stamps and TANF benefits.

"The Lone Star Image System is one of the earliest examples of the use of biometrics in civil applications. We are delighted that it has received this special recognition from our colleagues in other states." Carolyn Purcell, Chief Information Officer, State of Texas

Statewide implementation and the hardware deployment to nearly 400 offices around Texas was completed in August 1999. The project has continued to prove itself successful by providing cost savings of $11 million per year by preventing duplicate participation within the welfare system. This is accomplished by comparing the electronic finger images that are on file in the LSIS database (currently over 1.2 million people) and detecting any finger image matches from new applicants. Potential applicants for assistance are informed about finger imaging requirements prior to the applying. This greatly helps deter people from attempting to receive duplicate benefits, since they know the finger imaging technology is in place.

Because of its proven effectiveness in fraud prevention and fraud deterrence, LSIS benefits the agency by saving money, and increasing the validity of Food Stamp and TANF cases. It is valuable to clients/recipients as it protects them from another person assuming their identity and receiving assistance in their name. It also benefits the state by improving the public perception of the Food Stamp and TANF programs and it's recipients.

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