DSS Computer System Restored To Operation After 2-Day Crash

The state Department of Social Services said Thursday that it has restored its computerized “eligibility management system” to operation after a two-day crash that made it impossible on Tuesday and Wednesday for the agency to process new applications for public assistance.

According to DSS spokesman Dave Dearborn, this was the situation at 3 p.m.: “Department of Social Services IT staff worked around the clock to restore the agency’s eligibility management system for regular business Thursday after a two-day computer service interruption. With the system back on-line, DSS staff across the state are able to resume processing eligibility determinations for new applicants and annual benefit redeterminations for current clients.  Electronic payments to medical providers were transmitted and will be available by Friday.”

However, DSS Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby said in a statement that “the underlying problems of the massive and antiquated eligibility management system – known since the 1980s as EMS – continue to pose significant risk of a future shutdown.”

“Our hard-working IT staff were able to resolve the short-term issues this time, but the fact is that our eligibility management system is woefully outmoded and needs to be replaced,” Bremby said.  “This reality is widely known, and the agency and our clients are fortunate to have support from the administration, legislature and partner agencies for a replacement system.”