Many payment options are available to repay this claim, including voluntary repayment.  When the household receives the demand letter, they may voluntarily repay the benefits remaining in the EBT account.  If the household chooses voluntary repayment and the benefits are aged, reissue the aged benefits via the FAGE screen, then complete the voluntary repayment.  If the benefits are expunged, the food stamp claim balances are reduced by the amount of the expunged benefits and no voluntary repayment action is required.

EXAMPLE: Caseworker A discovers a possible overpayment for Mr. B's food stamp case.  Mr. B is not currently receiving food stamp benefits.  He has not accessed the benefits for which he is ineligible.  Caseworker A establishes the claim for the month(s) of overpayment.  Mr. B receives the demand letter for the food stamp claim.  He has the option to pay back the benefits by voluntary repayment, by cash all at once, or by cash installments.  If he starts receiving food stamp benefits again and has not paid off the claim, his food stamp allotment will be reduced by recoupment.  If Mr. B does not choose any of the options, does not start receiving food stamp benefits again, and does not access the benefits so that they are eventually expunged, the oldest outstanding food stamp claim balance is reduced by the expunged amount.

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.