M E M O R A N D U M

  IM-66  06/07/02  ACCESS TO FEDERAL BENEFITS ON MISSOURI BENEFIT SECURITY CARD


SUBJECT:
ACCESS TO FEDERAL BENEFITS ON MISSOURI BENEFIT SECURITY® CARD
 
DISCUSSION:
The agreement between the Department of the Treasury and Citibank (Missouri's current EBT provider) to deliver Federal benefit payments using the Benefit Security® Card is ending.  Effective September 1, 2002, recipients will no longer be able to access Federal benefits on Missouri's Benefit Security® Card.  Recipients of Federal benefit payments will continue to receive any food stamp or Temporary Assistance benefits on Missouri's Benefit Security® Card.

It is likely that individuals will contact the local DFS office regarding the upcoming changes for Federal benefit payments so it is important for staff to be aware of the changes and the impact of these changes.  Staff should:

  • assure recipients that the change does not affect food stamp or Temporary Assistance benefits; and
  • refer the recipient to the toll-free telephone number listed on their letter.  It is 1-866-217-4139, Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Central Time. 
A letter will be mailed the week of May 25 through May 31, 2002, to all Federal recipients who received their Benefit Security® Card as a Missouri resident.  The letter tells recipients how to sign up for other payment options.

If the recipient does not make arrangements by September 2002, payment for any Federal benefits sent to the Benefit Security® Card will be returned to the Federal benefit paying agency.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
HJK
Distribution #6
IM-65
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
IM-67