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Politics : Politics for Pros- moderated -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Neeka who wrote (370239)	6/25/2010 3:17:42 AM
From: unclewest	1 Recommendation Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 793970

What I want to know is who exactly authorized for ATM machines to dispense cash to welfare recipients? In my volunteer work with war refugees I learned this. Food stamp coupons are no longer issued. Today the program is called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and recipients get an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. It is like a credit or bank card and accounts are reloaded by the state agency every month. FNS money is not available through ATM machines here. Only businesses that are pre-registered and pre-approved by the state may accept EBT cards and get reimbursed for purchases made. You may have seen local businesses that sell food advertise, "We accept EBT cards." Such signs are popular here. Some folks still call the EBT card food stamps. Often that is only partially true. Previously welfare recipients received monthly checks. That too has changed. Now families receiving welfare cash assistance have their benefits added to the same card. That money is available to them in cash through ATM machines or (similar to food) as a debit when making a purchase. Welfare is often used to pay rent, utilities, buy clothing and school supplies, and other household expenses.