Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) - Overview
The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) policy and procedures identify guidelines for the following:
●Establishing EBT accounts
●Maintaining EBT accounts
●Issuance of EBT cards
The EBT Processing System is used to issue benefits for the following:
●Cash Assistance (CA)
●Nutrition Assistance (NA)
●Jobs payments
Participants use a plastic EBT debit card, called a
QUEST Card, at Automated Teller Machines, Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, and authorized online vendors. (See
FAA Pilot Programs(g)) Participants may access their benefits from assigned EBT accounts.
The EBT Processing System functions through an interface with AZTECS, allowing access to the EBT screens.
EBT benefits should always be accessible by 5:00 a.m. on the day of availability and may be accessible immediately as emergency benefits. For immediate access to benefits, see
EBT Emergency Benefits.
To establish and maintain card holder information in the EBT Processing System, see
EBPM.
EBT accounts are determined by the type of assistance a participant is eligible to receive. When a participant has both NA and CA benefits, both benefit accounts may be accessed using one EBT card. When both programs are connected to the same case number, the PI will not be issued two separate EBT cards.
NOTE The participant's cash balance may include training allowances. (See
Training Related Expense (TRE) Income)
EBT cards are mailed to the participant’s address. Over the counter (OTC) cards are issued for expedited benefits or at the participant’s request. (See
NA Expedite Requirements and
Over the Counter (OTC) Issuance)
Card holders may request a replacement EBT card at any time. When the card holder requests a replacement EBT card, review the ADDR screen in AZTECS to ensure it is keyed correctly. (See
Address Overview)
Policy and procedures regarding EBT and the EBT Processing System are outlined as follows: