Electronic Benefits Transfer
Easy. Convenient. Safe.
What is EBT?
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the electronic distribution of food stamp and TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) benefits to Indiana families. Benefits are accessed with a plastic Hoosier Works card. The card replaces paper food stamp coupons and paper checks. 
With EBT, eligible clients apply for assistance the exact same way they do now. Eligibility requirements, and the amount of assistance received, do not change under EBT. Once approved, an account is opened under a participant's name, and food stamp and/or TANF benefits are credited to that account electronically.
The Hoosier Works EBT card is similar to commercial debit and ATM cards: it will have a unique sixteen- digit account number, have a magnetic stripe on the back, and will only work with a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) selected by the participant.
EASY. Participants will attend an initial training session to learn about EBT, receive their EBT card, and select their PIN. Clients will also have a toll free 24-hour "hot line" to call for assistance or to report lost or stolen cards.
CONVENIENT. When paying for groceries, the food stamp customer's Hoosier Works card is run through an electronic reader or a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal, and the recipient enters the secret PIN number to access the food stamp account. Then, electronically, the PIN and account balance are verified, account is then debited for the amount of the purchase, and the retailer's account is credited.
No money or food stamps change hands. Payment is made to the retailer through a settlement process at the end of the business day. The process is the same for TANF at participating retailers and bank ATMs.
SAFE. The Hoosier Works card can never be used with-out the customer's Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Using the Hoosier Works card.
All retailers who currently accept food stamps are being afforded the opportunity to participate in the EBT program. In addition, banks are being recruited statewide to assure maximum ATM participation as well. All participating retailers and ATMs will display the QUEST service mark to indicate that they accept the EBT card.
Better for Clients.
RELIABLE. Electronically distributed benefits are delivered accurately and on time, avoiding the inconsistencies of sending a check or coupons by mail.
SECURE. A Personal Identification Number (PIN) ensures that only authorized users may access EBT benefits. If the EBT card is lost or stolen, it cannot be used without the participant's PIN. And, because benefits are stored in an electronic account, there's no need for recipients to carry a large sum of cash or food coupons.
CONVENIENT. Families will no longer have to go to banks, check cashing agents, or their local office, or wait for the mail to receive their benefits.
DIGNIFIED. Families are no longer stigmatized by using coupons since EBT makes shoppers with food stamp benefits look like any other shoppers.
UNIFYING. EBT introduces families to the same banking technology that commercial banking customers use. Using a debit card moves families one step closer to the mainstream, and affords them the knowledge they need to move to electronic banking.
Better for Retailers
FAST. EBT allows retailers to provide better customer service in the checkout lane since electronic transmissions are faster and more efficient than counting paper coupons.
EFFICIENT. EBT saves retailers money, since they no longer have to count, bundle, and deliver coupons to the bank. The EBT settlement process is automatic and provides payment to the retailer's account within two business days.
SAFE. As long as they get authorization, retailers are assured payment. They no longer have the problems associated with bad checks and counterfeit or fraudulent coupons. Better for Indiana.
EFFICIENT. EBT eliminates the labor-intensive process of storage, delivery, and accounting for paper coupons.
SECURE. EBT creates an electronic record of transactions, making it easier to detect and investigate instances of fraudulent activity.
To learn more about EBT implementation in your local community, contact the EBT liaison at your local office of Family Resources.
