EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) Card Processing

Your free credit/debit card terminal now includes EBT if you are approved for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT.

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.  EBT are typically of two general categories: Food and cash benefits. Food benefits are federally authorized benefits that can be used only to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages. Food benefits are distributed through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program. Cash benefits include state general assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and refugee benefits.  Federal law mandated that all federal aid distributions must be made electronically by 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 ( participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. If you choose to participate, you will be able to accept Food Stamp Purchases or Public Assistance from customers with the EBT Cards.

Because the purchases are done electronically, you no longer have the coupons to total, bundle or deposit. As long as EBT Card Cardholder enters a Personal Identification Number (PIN) into terminal Pin Pad and the purchase is approved, there is no liability for Food Stamps or Public Assistance transactions. Balancing EBT 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 liability is nil.

All EBT Card purchases performed at your store are automatically deposited into your account within 48 hours. EBT cards are interoperable, which means that an EBT card can be used in any authorized store in the United States regardless of the state it was issued, including the District of Columbia, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

USDA Process

Retailers who wish to start accepting food stamps in their store can apply online by registering for a USDA eAuthentication account at the USDA website (http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/application-process.htm). Registration is free. If you prefer a paper application, call 877-823-4369 and request that an application be mailed to you. Retailers who fill out the online application will have 30 days to complete it. After sending in all requested documentation, allow the USDA at least 45 days to notify you of its decision.  You will receive a seven-digit FNS FCS id number in which we will configure into the terminal. Training is provided by USDA (download a copy).  Authorized EBT retailers need to display either the Quest logo or a picture of the EBT card provided.

Application for a free terminal and free monthly paper supply

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