Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a
recipient to authorize transfer of their government benefits from a Federal
account to a retailer account to pay for products received. EBT is currently
being used in many States to issue food stamp, WIC, and other benefits. SNAP EBT
has been implemented in all States since June 2004.
SNAP EBT
The APD Process for SNAP EBT systems is almost identical to the process used
for SNAP certification and eligibility systems. The EBT process is more
streamlined in nature due to the stability of the system requirements. For
details regarding SNAP EBT APDs, please refer to FNS Handbook 901,
Chapter III. For specific program
guidelines and information, please click here:
SNAP EBT
WIC EBT
WIC EBT is still evolving and while only a few states have implemented or
piloted WIC EBT, the others are very interested and watching developments
closely. WIC EBT allows the client much more freedom by replacing the
paper food voucher or check with a card similar to that used by FSP EBT.
This allows the client to purchase only those items actually needed without
losing all remaining benefits for the month and provides retailers with prompt
payment for the food items purchased. For specific program guidelines and
information, please go to WIC EBT.
The APD Process for WIC EBT also follows a process almost identical to the
process used for WIC certification and eligibility systems. The major
difference being that States may compete on a Federal Fiscal Year basis for
special WIC EBT infrastructure grant funds available from FNS. Therefore,
the infrastructure grant proposal may be used in place of an APD initially.
For details regarding WIC EBT APDs, please refer to FNS Handbook 901,
Chapter V.
For WIC EBT documents including policy memorandums, testing guidelines, and ANSI
specifications, go to the Document Library.
Last modified:
10/03/2008
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