M E M O R A N D U M

IM-116  06/26/01  CONVERTING FOOD STAMP BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS MOVING OUT OF STATE


SUBJECT:
CONVERTING FOOD STAMP BENEFITS FOR HOUSEHOLDS MOVING OUT OF STATE
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective July 1, 2001, do not use our current process through FSU5 to convert food stamp benefits remaining on the Benefit Security® Card when a household moves to another state.  FSU5 does not allow an entry of reason code "08" in field 06 or reason code "36" in field 09 after June 29, 2001.

In the year 2002, all states are mandated to use an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system for food stamps, eliminating the need for food stamp coupons.  Most states now have an EBT system and households can access food stamp benefits in these states.  Some states/areas are in the planning stages of EBT, but have stores that accept our Benefit Security® Card.  Most commercial retailers (retailers backed by Third Party Processors, i.e., major grocery chains) accept the Missouri Benefit Security® Card.

Participants need to try to use their Benefit Security® Card in the state they move to for several reasons:

  • They can immediately use their benefits in their new location and do not have to wait to receive coupons in the mail.
  • They can use their Benefit Security® Card as they travel to their new location.
  • Most stores in EBT states no longer accept food stamp coupons.
A current list of EBT states/areas is provided.  Use the attached list showing the EBT status of other states/areas to determine the correct procedure to use.
  •  Households moving to a QUEST state: Benefits will not be converted to coupons.
  • Households moving to an EBT, non-QUEST state: Commercial retailers in these areas may take the Missouri Benefit Security® Card.  Participants should attempt to use their card prior to requesting food stamp coupons. Note: Retailers in these areas may not accept food stamp coupons.
  • Households moving to a partially converted or not yet converted EBT area: Commercial retailers in these areas may accept the Missouri Benefit Security® Card.  Participants should attempt to use their card prior to requesting food stamp coupons.
If the participant is unable to find a retailer who will accept the Missouri Benefit Security® Card, staff should contact the Food Stamp Program and Policy Unit to find a retailer who will accept the Missouri card.  If a retailer accepting the Missouri Benefit Security® Card cannot be located, the Food Stamp Program and Policy Unit will convert food stamp benefits remaining on the Benefit Security® Card.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Use the attached list showing the EBT status of other states/areas to determine the correct procedure to use for households moving out of state. 
HJK
Distribution #6


[ Memorandum Table of Contents ]

IM-115
 IM-117