| 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. |