Pharmacy users only
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the electronic delivery of Food Stamp monthly cash assistance and the Child Support Incentive to those families receiving these benefits. Benefits are accessed with a plastic card. As an alternative to having cash benefits placed on the EBT card. In a few states, clients may chose to receive their monthly benefits by Direct Deposit.
Eagle software 30.2750 (or higher) with patch 4416 installed
Sign up and certify with the Federal or State assistance program
Enconcert server and Eagle server installed and tested
3rd party credit card processing software configured to support EBT (currently ECS)
Ingenico eNtouch 1000 or Ingenico 6550 pinpads (RBA Only)
List of all items that are food products (Qualified Products)
EBT is easy to use - Food Stamp benefits may be accessed through Point of Sale (POS). In states with direct deposit, monthly benefits may be accessed through Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) and Point of Sale (POS) machines at various stores. The EBT card is similar to a debit card. The EBT card will only work with a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) selected by the customer.
EBT is convenient - Families no longer have to go to banks, check cashing agents, or wait for the mail to receive their benefits. Benefits are credited to the EBT card on a monthly basis. When paying for groceries, the EBT customer's card is run through an electronic reader or a POS terminal, and the customer enters their PIN number to access the EBT account. Then, electronically, the PIN and account balance are verified, and an authorization or denial is sent back electronically to the retailer. If the transaction is approved, the customer's account is debited for the amount of the purchase, and the retailer's account is credited.
EBT is safe - The EBT card can never be used without the customer's PIN. EBT helps to protect against loss or theft since no money or Food Stamps change hands. If the EBT card is lost or stolen, it cannot be used without the client's PIN. Benefits are stored in an electronic account so there is no need for clients to carry a large sum of cash or food coupons. Payment is made to the authorized EBT retailer at the end of the business day. The process is the same for states with direct deposit.
EBT is Reliable - Electronically distributed benefits are delivered accurately and on time, avoiding the inconsistencies of receiving a check or coupons by mail.
EBT protects privacy - Families are no longer stigmatized by using coupons since EBT cards are similar to other debit or credit cards used by other shoppers. EBT introduces families to the same banking technology that commercial banking customers use. Thus, using a debit card moves families one step closer to the mainstream and affords them the knowledge they need to move to electronic banking.
EBT saves time. Retailers and banks are no longer required to sort, count, or bundle paper coupons. Retailers are able to provide better customer service because EBT transactions are faster and more convenient than paper transactions. The EBT settlement process is automatic, providing accurate and expedient payment to the retailer's account. Audit trails of transactions are available to assist in detecting any fraudulent activity.