707 ISSUING BENEFITS SR 11-07, 02/11 (FSM-A)

ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT)

EBT is the issuance method for Food Stamp benefits. Recipients access Food Stamp benefits from an electronic EBT account with a magnetic stripe debit card (the "EBT card"). Recipients control access to the EBT account by a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).

EBT Card Activation

EBT cards are mailed to recipients. Once the recipient has received their EBT card, the individual must activate the card by going to www.ebtedge.com or calling 888-997-9777 to select a PIN.

Individuals involved in the determination of eligibility, including Family Services Specialists and DFA Supervisors, are prohibited by federal regulations from assisting recipients in the EBT card activation and PIN selection process.

Authorized Representatives and EBT

Applicants and recipients may choose an Authorized Representative (AR) to assist in the EBT process by so designating on Form 778, Authorized Representative Declaration. If a recipient or AR chooses to obtain an EBT card at the District Office, the person must present proof of identity before being given the EBT card. See Section 301.07, How to Verify, for more information about requirements for proving identity.

AR’s may be designated to receive and access benefits on behalf of the recipient by:

• obtaining and activating their own EBT card;

• obtaining the EBT card for the recipient but conveying the card to the recipient for activation; or

• performing the card activation with the PIN the recipient provided to the AR.