When a retailer reports a food stamp debiting error, eFunds researches the claim. If the research shows a system malfunction or system reversal was done, eFunds sends the information to FSD. FSD generates a letter to the head of the household notifying him/her that a debiting error occurred, the date of the error, the location of the error, and the amount. The letter advises the household that food stamp benefits for the amount of the error will be taken from the EBT account. If benefits are not available, the benefits will be taken from the next month’s benefits. The household has 10 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing.
If a hearing is requested, notify Food Stamp Program and Policy immediately. The benefits will not be removed from the account if the hearing request is within 10 days of the date of the letter. Food Stamp Program and Policy staff will act as the Agency witness at the hearing.
If a hearing is not requested within 10 days of the date of the letter, the benefits are removed from the household’s account immediately, or from the next month’s benefits upon availability.
If a hearing is requested after 10 days and within 90 days of the date of the letter, the benefits are removed from the household’s account as stated in the notice, or from the next month’s benefits upon availability. Notify Food Stamp Program and Policy immediately of the hearing request. Food Stamp Program and Policy staff will act as the Agency witness at the hearing.
If the hearing is ruled in the Agency’s favor, the benefits are removed from the account if not already done so.
If the hearing is ruled in the household’s favor, the benefits remain on the card or are added back to the card if they had already been removed.