Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. It is the electronic distribution of benefits to Indiana families who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), previously known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children, or welfare.
In Indiana, participants in SNAP and TANF access their EBT Benefits through the Hoosier Works card. The card works like a commercial debit card and replaces paper food stamp coupons and paper checks. Indiana cardholders can use their Hoosier Works card at any store in the United States that accepts food stamps.
The Hoosier Works EBT card is light blue, with gold and dark blue lettering. It has a unique sixteen-digit account number, a magnetic strip on the back, and will only work with a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
EBT is Easy, Convenient and Secure
Easy. EBT is as easy to use as a debit or credit card. Cardholders receive a training brochure with their first EBT card which will explain how to use the card. Cardholders will also have a 24-hour EBT toll free number (1-877-768-5098) to call to PIN their cards, check benefits, report a card lost or stolen, or receive any other assistance. Most cardholder inquires will be answered by an automatic response system; however there is an option to speak to a live customer service representative.
Convenient. When paying for groceries or goods, the Hoosier Works card is run through an electronic reader or a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal at check out. Most stores have the capacity to run the EBT card through terminals that accept commercial card transactions and do not require a special EBT machine. Only smaller stores will have separate lines for EBT transactions. No money or food stamp coupons change hands. Payment is made directly to the retailer through a settlement process at the end of the business day.
Secure. Transactions are secure because the Hoosier Works card can never be used without the customer's Personal Identification Number (PIN). Cardholders will never be asked to reveal their PIN number by anyone.
Please Note: If an employee or cashier asks for a PIN number, a cardholder should not give it to that person under any circumstances. Cardholders may want to report the employee’s behavior to his or her direct supervisor.
Where and How to use the Hoosier Works Card
All participating retailers and ATMs will display the QUEST® service mark to indicate that they accept the EBT card. Retailers also typically have signs at store entries saying that they accept SNAP benefits. Most large retailers accept EBT cards.
Illegal TANF Withdrawls
Making a TANF (cash) withdraw at certain ATMs is illegal even if the Quest logo is on an ATM. It is a Class C misdemeanor to use a Hoosier Works card at ATMs located in liquor stores, gambling establishments, horse racing facilities, or gun stores. This law is Indiana State Law IC 12-13-14-4.5. The law is often revised and may include even more places where ATM cash cannot be withdrawn in future legislation. ATMs that are located in places where it is illegal to withdraw TANF funds should display signs stating that using an EBT card is illegal at that ATM. Participants should always look for these signs when withdrawing cash.
Using the Indiana Hoosier Works Card.
- The card is swiped through the Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminal OR handed to the cashier.
- The four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad is entered. Cardholders should not let anyone else see the PIN and should not tell the PIN to the cashier or any other employee even if asked!
- The amount of the purchase will be deducted from the account.
- The cashier will hand the cardholder a receipt.
- The receipt will show the new account balance.
SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food
Stores cannot give change or cash back from a food benefit account. Only the exact amount of food purchases will be deducted from the food benefit account. If returns are made from a SNAP account, the amount of the return will go back on the EBT card. Cash cannot be given for returns according to Federal laws.
TANF can be used to purchase both food and non-food items (soap, diapers, hygiene etc.)
Most stores, especially large grocery stores, can give change or cash from a cash benefit account. However, not all stores will offer cash-back. This will depend on the store’s policy.
The Hoosier Works Card will Never Expire!
The Hoosier Works will not expire even if a cardholder is no longer eligible for benefits. It is a good idea for cardholders to keep their cards even when they no longer receive benefits so that if they become eligible for benefits again, they can use the same Hoosier Works card to access those benefits. By keeping the card a participant won’t have to order and wait for a new card.
How to use your Indiana Hoosier Works Card at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Cash Distributor
- Insert or swipe your card.
- Choose “English” or “Spanish.”
- Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and press the OK or Enter key.
- Select the key marked “Withdraw Cash” and then select “Checking.”
- Enter the amount you’d like in whole dollar amounts (for example, $20, $40, $60). Most ATM machines only give out $20 bills.
- Take your card, your receipt and your cash.
- Count your cash and compare it to your receipt.
- Keep your receipt so you will know your balance the next time you need cash.
Remember that you can ONLY get cash from an ATM if you have a TANF (cash benefit) account. You cannot get cash from your SNAP (food stamp) account. SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food from a store that accepts the EBT Hoosier Works card.
Misuses of the Hoosier Works Card
Besides TANF withdrawals at certain ATM’s as described above, other misuses of benefits as described below are violations of State and Federal laws:
- Selling, trading or giving away your Hoosier Works Card or benefits.
- Allowing a retailer to buy your food benefits in exchange for cash.
- Using or buying someone else’s food benefits or Hoosier Card.
People who break Food Assistance Program rules may be disqualified from the program, fined, put in prison, or all three. They will also be required to repay the benefits. SNAP is a Federal Program and therefore subject to Federal legislation.
The EBT Customer Service (1-877-768-5098) is there to help resolve card issues 24/7, 7 days a week.
Call the EBT Customer service toll free number if:
- If a card is lost or stolen. Cardholders should call immediately.
- If a card is damaged.
- To select or change a PIN.
- To check an account balance.
- For questions or help with a card.
For Hoosier Works Card questions:
EBT CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE NUMBER
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
1-877-768-5098 toll-free
To access account information, visit online at
http://www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com
THE INDIANA FAMILY & SOCIAL SERVICES TOLL FREE NUMBER (1-800-403-0864) is there to help RESOLVE ADDRESS AND ELIGIBILTY ISSUES (8:30 – 4:30 ET, M-F).
For address updates please contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration toll free number at 1-800-403-0864 from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm ET. All address changes must go through FSSA in order to reach the EBT system. The Customer Service Representatives working at the EBT Toll Free number cannot update addresses or resolve eligibility issues.
Here are some examples of when cardholders should call the FSSA Toll Free number:
- For address updates.
- For recertification.
- If household members have changed.
- For difficulties understanding benefits or determining why benefits are not showing on the card.
FSSA TOLL FREE NUBMER
8:30-4:30 ET
1-800-403-0864
http://www.in.gov/fssa/
