Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is the method used by SNAP to issue benefits to all eligible clients after September 2002. (Implementation of the EBT process began in February 2002).  The card is used like a bankcard at Point of Sale (POS) terminals, with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to purchase eligible food items. Benefits are available for client use based on the last number of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Case Name’s social security number.

Benefits not used in a month are carried over to the next month and will remain available for one year.

The EBT windows in the N-FOCUS system are inquiry only windows. Only Issuance and Collection Center (ICC) staff have the security to make updates.

Electronic Benefit Card Issuance Search Window

The Electronic Benefit Card Issuance Search window accessible via the EBT icon from the Main Menu is used to search for information regarding the issuance of a Nebraska EBT card. Workers should search by specific SNAP Case Person information.

Electronic Benefit Card Issuance List Window

The Electronic Benefit Card Issuance List window displays information regarding EBT Card issuance for the SNAP Case Name person. Lists may be sorted or filtered using the respective icons for this purpose.

To view the details of card issuance (such as the address the card was mailed to), highlight the line and select the Open icon or double click on the line. This opens the Electronic Benefit Program Case Name Person window.

EBT Account field displays a number randomly assigned by the EBT system.

Issue Mode field displays the method used to issue the EBT card. (NOTE: This type applies only to the card not the benefits). Options are Over the Counter (OTC) or Mail (M) issuance.

Card Avail. Date field displays the date that the card is available for mailing or over-the-counter pickup.

Electronic Benefit Program Case Person Window

The Electronic Benefit Program Case Person window is used to view the Master Case, Program Case, and/or Person details of the issuance line selected on the Electronic Benefit Card Issuance List window.

Replacement EBT card request

If client requests replacement EBT card due to loss or theft the worker is able to request a new EBT card through the Interview Tracking area in NFOCUS. If an interview is not necessary at the time of the recertification, but a replacement EBT is needed the worker will need to create a "Waived" interview type in the interview tracking area. Worker will then be asked if a replacement EBT card is needed . Select YES to the question asking if the client needs a replacement EBT card. Selecting NO and not creating a Waived interview in this area will resulting in the EBT card not being issued and create an unnecessary hardship for the client. Also, ensure that

(11-2009)