EBT is the delivery of government benefit funds via electronic means. As more of our society utilizes government sponsored programs EBT is a payment option growing at a tremendous rate. Federal law mandated that all federal aid distributions must be made electronically after 1999. Government programs such as Social Security, state issued food stamps, Women/Infants/Children (WIC) and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), issue benefits on an electronic card known as an EBT card.
All Food and Consumer Services (FCS) certified stores could participate in The Purchase Card Program. If you choose not to participate, you will not be able to accept Food Stamp Purchases or Public Assistance from customers with the Purchase Card.
Because the purchases are done electronically, you no longer have the coupons to total, bundle or deposit. As long as The Purchase Card Cardholder enters a Personal Identification Number (PIN) into The Purchase Card Equipment and the purchase is approved, there is no liability for Food Stamps or Public Assistance transactions. Balancing Purchase Card purchases is similar to balancing your credit cards or cash register. You will receive training and instructions on how to perform this function. If your customer has a PIN, your transaction liability is effectively zero.
All Purchase Card purchases performed at your store are automatically deposited into your account.