M E M O R A N D U M

IM-9  01/15/03  COUPON CONVERSION


SUBJECT:
COUPON CONVERSION
DISCUSSION:
As of October 1, 2002, Food Stamp Regulations require all states' EBT systems to be interoperable.  Although there are still isolated instances where Missouri's Benefit Security® Card does not work at a store in another state, overall there is less need for coupon conversion.  In addition, most retailers in EBT areas are reluctant to accept coupons, as change-making is difficult and many banks are reluctant to accept coupons from retailers. 

Missouri's Benefit Security® Card will work at any POS terminal or ATM with the QUEST logo, whether or not the state is a QUEST state.  In addition, most areas have stores that can accept the Missouri Benefit Security® Card even if that area's EBT system is not interoperable with QUEST or EBT is not yet available in that area.  The majority of major supermarket chains have equipment capable of processing EBT information from other states, including Missouri's Benefit Security® Card.  Normally, if a balance inquiry can be completed, a purchase transaction can also be completed.

The following states have very few retailers who accept the Missouri Benefit Security® Card:

  • Texas
  • Oklahoma 
  • Ohio 
  • California 
However, California is a QUEST state in the process of rolling out EBT, so the need for coupon conversion will decrease as more retailers gain access to EBT.

Instruct participants requesting coupon conversion to attempt a balance inquiry at the store, even if a worker in the state or store personnel have told them that the card will not work.  Also, explain to participants that most retailers in EBT areas will not accept the coupons even if we do convert the benefits.

Coupon conversion policy and procedures are not changed.  Refer to Memorandum IM-116 dated 06/21/2001.
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.
  • Instruct participants to attempt to use their Missouri Benefit Security® Card, especially at major chain stores.
MRT
Distribution #6
IM-8
[ 2003 Memorandums ]
IM-10