Common-Place Handbook Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) 16 .

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Common-Place Handbookpage 16-1Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.1 Overview16.1.1PolicySection 825 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity ReconciliationAct (PRWORA) of 1996 required each state to implement an Electronic BenefitTransfer (EBT) system for the delivery of CalFresh benefits. California WelfareReform Law, Assembly Bill (AB) 1542, Section 31, required statewideimplementation of EBT for CalFresh and gave counties the option to use EBT forthe issuance of cash benefits. Santa Clara County chose to issue cash benefits viaEBT.16.1.2BackgroundOn July 26, 2001, the State of California awarded a contract to Citicorp ElectronicFinancial Services (CEFS) for the design, development and implementation ofElectronic Benefit Transfer in California. The Office of Systems Integration (OSI), inpartnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), managesCalifornia EBT Project. In 2004, Citigroup, the parent company of CEFS sold itselectronic financial services contract to J.P. Morgan Electronic Financial ServicesInc. (JPMorgan EFS).The state transitioned EBT services from its current EBT Prime Contractor,JPMorgan EFS to the states’ new EBT Contractor, Affiliated Computer ServicesState & Local Solutions, Inc. (ACS). The cutover to the ACS EBT system andassociated services is scheduled for September 2009.16.1.3How EBT WorksEBT is a benefit issuance system, which is operated by ACS. Once eligibility andlevel of benefits have been determined, and account is established in the client’sname, and benefits are deposited electronically in the account for the eligibilityperiod each month. The client/cardholder is issued a Golden State Advantage cardthat is used like any other debit card. Each month, food and/or cash benefits areautomatically added to the cardholder’s account.Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-2Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)Cardholders can receive both food and cash benefits, if applicable. Cardholdersuse the EBT card to access their CalFresh benefits to purchase food at authorizedgrocery stores or access their cash benefits at participating retail or automatedteller machine (ATM) locations. Cash purchases can also be made using the card.Unused benefits from one month will be rolled over to the next month and eachtransaction record (receipt) shows the remaining balance(s).At the location of the purchase, the EBT card is swiped in a Point of Sale (POS)device, and the cardholder enters his or her personal identification number (PIN) toaccess the account. As long as there are benefits in the account, the cardholder’saccount is debited for the amount of the purchase. The store receipt shows theamount of benefits remaining in the account.EBT does not change eligibility requirements or the determination of benefitamounts. Eligibility determinations and benefit authorization is the soleresponsibility of the Social Services Agency.16.1.4EBT ProgramsThe following Public Assistance Program benefits are issued via EBT:16.1.5Cash ProgramsPayments for the following cash assistance programs are issued via EBT, unlessthe client qualifies for an exemption: California Work Opportunity for Kids (CalWORKs)Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)Entrant Cash Assistance (ECA)General Assistance (GA), andRefugee Cash Assistance (RCA).Reminder:For General Assistance, only the personal needs portion of the grant is issuedvia EBT. Vendor payments continue to be issued via a paper warrant.[Refer to “ Exemption from Cash EBT,” page 16-57 for more information regardingexemptions.]Note:EBT cannot be used at the following establishments: Adult Entertainment establishmentsRevised: 08/09/16Update #16-19

Common-Place Handbook 16.1.6page 16-3Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)Bail BondsBingo HallsCannabis ShopsCasinosCruise ShipsGun/Ammunition StoresLiquor Stores (not authorized by FNS)Night Clubs/Saloons/TavernsPsychic ReadersRace TracksSmoking ShopsSpa/Massage SalonsTattoo/Piercing Shops.CalFreshALL CalFresh benefits are issued via EBT. There are no exemptions for CalFreshbenefits.16.1.7Programs Exempt from EBTAt this time, Medi-Cal, Foster Care, Adoption Assistance Program (AAP),CalWORKs Employment Services (CWES) payments, and miscellaneousCalWORKs payments (e.g., Homeless Assistance payments, Cal Learn, Diversion,etc.) are exempt from EBT.Note:General Assistance clients in a State Licensed Board and Care facility are alsoexempt. CalWIN is not programmed to exempt these aid types automatically.Therefore, the worker must complete the appropriate window in CalWIN toauthorize a cash EBT exemption. [Refer to “Process EBT Exemption Request”in the CalWIN OLUM for complete instructions.][Refer to “ General Assistance Clients in a State Licensed Board and Care Facility,”page 16-51.]16.2 DefinitionsThe following are definitions in reference to EBT:Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-4Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.2.1Administrative Terminal SoftwareEBT software provided by ACS that allows interface for users to enter data directlyinto the browser-based system called Electronic Payment Processing andInformation Control (EPPIC). All transactions are posted in “real time.” EPPIC isaccessed through the intranet using Internet Explorer. When a user logs in for thefirst time, that user must change their password.16.2.2Authorized Representative (AR)A person designated by a CalFresh household to receive an EBT card to accessthe household’s CalFresh EBT account to purchase food items on behalf of theclient.16.2.3Automated Response Unit (ARU)ACS’ automated phone system that accepts data from touch-tone telephones andresponds with synthesized voice commands and information. The ARU is used inthe EBT system to provide numerous functions, such as balance information or toauthorize manual transactions. The phone number to the ARU is1-877-328-9677.16.2.4Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) allow one or more EBT and/or bankingtransactions to be performed, including balance inquiries and cash withdrawals.16.2.5Designated Alternate Cardholder (DAC)A person designated by a cash assistance household to receive an EBT card toaccess the household’s cash EBT account to purchase items or withdrawal cash onbehalf of the client.16.2.6Dormant Account (180 Days)When an account has 180 consecutive days with no activity, excluding depositsmade by the county, the status of the account is changed to “dormant.” This meansthe client will NOT be able to access benefits until he/she contacts an EligibilityWorker (EW). Only the County offices have the capability to reactivate a dormantaccount.Revised: 08/09/16Update #16-19

Common-Place Handbook16.2.7page 16-5Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)A system that electronically transfers benefits to automated teller machines andpoint of sale devices for the delivery of cash and CalFresh benefits.16.2.8EBT Client Website (ECW)A website provided by the EBT Project for cardholders to check food and cashbenefit balances, see transaction history, and find the location of ATMs andretailers who accept the EBT card. The website address is www.ebt.ca.gov.16.2.9Electronic Payment Processing and InformationControl (EPPIC) SystemACS’ new browser-based administrative application that is accessible from anycomputer that allows county and state staff to perform transactions on EBT inonline, real-time processing mode through an existing intranet network. Thissystem is accessed through the intranet using Microsoft Internet Explorer.16.2.10Electronic TheftElectronic theft occurs when a client (or authorized representative) has not lostphysical possession of their EBT card and money is stolen from their EBT accountelectronically.16.2.11Excessive Card Replacement (ECR)Excessive card replacement (ECR) is when a client requests four activated cardreplacements within a 12-month period.16.2.12Expunged Benefits (365 Days)When the account has 365 consecutive days (approx. 1 year) with no activity,(either from the last deposit or last transaction), benefits are “expunged.”Expunged means the benefits are returned to the State.Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-6Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.2.13Inactive Account (135 Days)When an account has 135 consecutive days with no activity, excluding depositsmade by the county, the account goes into an “inactive” status. The client will stillbe able to access his/her benefits. However, a report is sent to the EW advising thatthe account has had no activity for 135 consecutive days.16.2.14MoneyPass A financial network that allows cardholders surcharge-free cash access withthousands of ATMs across the nation. Mobile applications for iPhone and Androidare available at no cost for finding MoneyPass locations al Identification Number (PIN)A numeric code given to the recipient and used to control access to individualaccounts. The PIN must be entered on a keypad before any transaction can beprocessed.16.2.16Point of Sale (POS) DeviceIncludes the terminal, PIN pad and printers located at a retail location. It is used tobegin the electronic debit of the client’s account. It is also used to credit retailers’accounts as purchases are made. This includes EBT transactions as well as otherdebit or credit transactions.16.2.17Primary Cardholder (PCH)An individual who has been issued and authorized to use an EBT card to accessboth cash and/or CalFresh benefits. This individual is the “payee” on the accountand may have an Designated Alternate Cardholder/Authorized Representative.16.2.18QUEST QUEST is a network that links to ACS. QUEST allows electronic transactions offunds when services are rendered by the cardholder through an ATM or POSdevice. A client can ONLY access benefits where a QUEST logo is displayed.Revised: 08/09/16Update #16-19

Common-Place Handbook16.2.19page 16-7Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)Statewide Automated Reconciliation System (SARS)To standardize the reconciliation processes and improve reporting, counties andthe state use the SARS. SARS is used to reconcile all EBT benefits issued andredeemed. The system captures the statewide food benefits settlement total andsettlement total and settlement data for each cash EBT county. The role of SARShas expanded to include a repository of EBT reports and batch files that are used tocreate a large number of standardized and custom report. SARS data and tools arealso used by state and county staff to research discrepancies between the EBTsystem and the eligibility system date. SAR is available onwww.sars.ebtproject.ca.gov and the SARS User’s Manual is available on the EBTWorkSite Web and provides comprehensive information on accessing and usingSARS.16.2.20Status CardThe term “Status Card” is used when the client wants to status or “deactivate” anEBT card. There are several reasons to status a card. The most common are whenthe card is lost, stolen or demagnetized. A card can also be statused (deactivated)when the client wants to deactivate his/her Authorized Representative/DesignatedAlternate Cardholder’s access to CalFresh and/or cash benefits.16.2.21SurchargeA fee added to a transaction by an ATM merchant for using their terminal.16.2.22Transaction FeeA fee charged to the client for making a transaction. ACS allows EBT customer 80 for every subsequent transaction at ATMs and cash only withdraws at POSdevices. There is NEVER a transaction fee for purchases made from the CalFreshEBT account.16.2.23Unlock PINWhen a client attempts to use his/her EBT card, and enters an incorrect PIN, afterthe fourth attempt the client’s PIN will “lock.” This means the client will NOT haveaccess to his/her benefits until midnight of that day. ACS CANNOT unlock a PIN;however the PIN is automatically unlocked after midnight. Counties have beengiven the capability to unlock a PIN. The client must call during the county’sbusiness hours, or he/she must wait until midnight to access his/her benefits.Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-8Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.3 EBT Client WebsiteACS provides a website for cardholders, in addition to the Customer ServiceHelpline. The website provides information in both English and Spanish andavailable to all users 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no charge. The user isresponsible for any charges, if any, related to accessing the internet (e.g., Internetservice provider). The website address is www.ebt.ca.gov and it will be available tocardholders effective September 20, 2009.The Client Website provides easy, user-friendly, and secure access to accountinformation so cardholders can quickly obtain their account balances, viewtransaction history, check claim status, find places to use their EBT card (includingsurcharge-free cash access locations), and obtain general information about EBTservices. Cardholders are able to call the toll-free Client Helpline telephone numberand speak to a customer service representative (CSR) to receive help with websitefunctions.The website meets California Security requirements by using secure hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTPS) and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. It alsorequires users to enter their card number and a self-chosen password to securelyenter the site and access their own program information.The website also provides general EBT program information, as well as access toinformation on lost or stolen cards, retailer and ATM searches, EBT brochures, andother related links.16.3.1Create LoginOn first use of the Client Website, cardholders are directed to click a link toestablish a password for the website. The link redirects the cardholder to theCreate Login screen. Cardholders are given directions to create a login that theywill use to access the website in the future, including specific directions forchoosing a successful password. To create a new password, the cardholder mustenter his/her 16-digit card number and PIN.16.3.2Account BalanceOnce a cardholder has created a login and password, he or she will be redirectedback to the Main (Login) screen to enter the login and password. The cardholderwill enter their card number and password and will immediately be taken to theRevised: 08/09/16Update #16-19

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-9Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)Account Balance screen. This screen displays the primary cardholder’s name, andthe food benefit and cash (if applicable) benefit account balances in real time as ofthe time of login.16.3.3Transaction HistoryCardholders use this screen to see the transaction history for food and cash (ifapplicable) benefits. The default will be the 10 most recent transactions.Cardholders can also search by month and year, and by program benefit type. Thesearch results include the transaction date and time, retailer name and address,last four digits of the card number, benefit type, transaction type, and transactionamount. The account balance is displayed at the bottom of the screen, as well asthe toll-free Client Helpline telephone number for cardholder convenience.16.3.4Claim StatusThis screen shows the status of a claim submitted against a cardholder’s account.The screen will automatically display the most recent claim activity, andcardholders can search by month and year. The search result includes the claimdate, benefit type, claim type, claim amount, claim status, and the status date.Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-10Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.3.5Change PasswordCardholders are able to change their password at any time, for any reason on theChange Password screen. The cardholder must know his/her old password to usethis screen.16.3.6Lost, Stolen, or Damaged CardsCardholders who wish to report a lost, stolen, or damaged card can obtaininformation from the Client Website. Cardholders can click on the “Lost, Stolen, orDamaged Cards” link that appears on left side of any Client Website screen. TheLost, Stolen, or Damaged Cards screen provides the user instructions for reportinghis/her card.The left column of any Client Website screen also provides the toll-free ClientHelpline telephone number and in red lettering the following message: “If your cardis lost or stolen, or if you need to change your PIN: Call (877) 328-9677.”16.3.7EBT BrochuresThis screen contains links for users and/or cardholders to view or download EBTrelated publications from the CDSS website. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required touse these files, so a link to a free downloadable copy is provided to assist usersand/or cardholders in using the brochures. Brochures are available in tenlanguages.16.3.8Other LinksThis screen of the Client Website provides links to the California EBT projectwebsite, the USDA-FNS EBT policy website, as list of California county websites,and the CDSS website.Revised: 08/09/16Update #16-19

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-11Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)16.4 Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) FormsThe following forms are used for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT):16.4.1“Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) On-Line Request”(SCD 2201)UsageThe “Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) On-Line Request” (SCD 2201) is to be usedby the Eligibility Worker (EW) to request the District Office Fiscal Clerk (DOFC) toperform the following on-line transactions through CalWIN, the EBT AdministrativeTerminal or the PIN machine, as appropriate: Status (Deactivate) an EBT cardRecord date EBT card returned to Benefit Issuance UnitPrint an EBT cardChange Issuance MethodActivate Dormant AccountRepay Benefits from EBT accountSelect/Change/Unlock PINSet up account and/or add Primary Payee and/or Authorized RepresentativeAdd Emergency cash/Food Benefits (Requires EW Supervisor’s signature).The form is also used by clerical staff to indicate an immediate need EBT card hasbeen issued and to status (deactivate) a card that is returned to the County. Theclient is required to sign the form, as proof he/she received his/her EBT card and/orchanged the PIN.Note:The SCD 2201 may also be used to assist a client to change his/her PIN;however, if the request comes directly from the client and not the EW, clericalstaff must use the “Client Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Request”(SCD 2202) form.[Refer to “CalWIN Interface,” page 16-21.]Update #16-19Revised: 08/09/16

Common-Place Handbookpage 16-12Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)CompletionThe SCD 2201 is usually completed by the EW. It has two sections.Section IThe actions requested in Section I are normally performed by the DOFC usingthe CalWIN system. CalWIN sends the data to the EBT system through aninterface. ONLY in specific situations is the Administrative Terminal used to performthese actions.The following actions are included in Section I: “Status EBT Card” - The EW completes this section, if he/she wants to have theDOFC deactivate an EBT card. Clerical staff may also complete this sectionwhen an EBT card is returned. “Date Returned to Benefit Issuance Unit” - Clerical Staff completes this sectionfor returned EBT cards. The date the card is sent to the Benefit Issuance Unit tobe destroyed is entered on this form. “PRINT EBT Card” - The EW completes this section if the client wants an EBTcard issued in the office. This section MUST be completed if the EW is issuingan immediate need for a Primary Cardholder. “Change Issuance Method” - The EW completes this section to have theIssuance Method changed from “Transfer Batch” to “Transfer Online” whenissuing EBT benefits as an immediate need.Note:EWs only have read access to the [Change Status] tab on the MaintainIssuance Detail window. In the district offices, only the DOFCs and EWSupervisors have update access to this window to change the IssuanceMethod. “Activate Dormant Account” - The EW completes this section to reactivate aclien

implementation of EBT for CalFresh and gave counties the option to use EBT for the issuance of cash benefits. Santa Clara County chose to issue cash benefits via EBT. 16.1.2 Background On July 26, 2001, the State of California awarded a contract to Citicorp Electronic Financial Services (CEFS) for the design, development and implementation of

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