SUBJECT:
EBT OPTIONAL ID
DISCUSSION:
Due to enhancements to EBT Personal Identification Number (PIN) selection described in Income Maintenance Memorandum IM-#40, One Call PIN Select, dated April 17, 2006, the OPTIONAL ID field on the EBTU screen now requires at least five (5) characters. The ID may be numbers or letters.
This field is used to enter an optional ID on the EBTU screen for participants who
- have security issues with their EBT card, or
- are unable to contact eFunds on their own due to an impairment, they have no one who can be an alternate payee, and they need another individual to assist in the phone call.
When the head of the Eligibility Unit (EU) informs staff of the need for this security option,
- Go to the EBTU screen,
- Type “C” in the ACTION field,
- Type the optional ID of their choice which is at least five characters in the OPTIONAL ID field, and
- Press Enter.
- If the optional ID is accepted, the message “RECORD UPDATED” appears.
- If the optional ID entered is less than five characters, the message “OPT ID MUST HAVE CHARACTERS IN FIRST 5 POSITIONS” displays.
When calling the EBT Help Desk at 800-997-7777, cardholders who have optional IDs will be asked for this ID when:
- using the automated system to request a new PIN; or
- speaking to an EBT Help Desk operator. If the optional ID is not given correctly, eFunds will not be able to work with the cardholder until the optional ID is given correctly.
Some current optional IDs are four characters. These IDs will allow the cardholder to contact the Help Desk and receive assistance. The cardholder will be requested to contact the eligibility specialist to update the optional ID to at least five characters.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.