DIRECT DEPOSIT IS
AVAILABLE
* Tired of waiting for the
mail and standing in line to cash your WV WORKS check?
* Has your check been lost
or stolen?
* Have you been short of
cash or late paying bills because bad weather or illness delayed the receipt
of or cashing your check?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer
(EBT) Program became fully operational in by May 2003. EBT is the electronic
issuance of Food Stamps, Child Support Incentive and the WV WORKS monthly
benefits using a debit card rather than issuing paper food stamp coupons or
checks. The Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), State Auditor’s and
Treasurer’s Offices have been working cooperatively to offer you an easier way
to receive your WV WORKS benefits. Enrollment forms are available from your
Worker to request Direct Deposit, or you can get the enrollment form by
clicking here. If you do not choose Direct Deposit, your
monthly benefit will be made available through your EBT account. The following
is to inform you of things to remember if you decide to choose to receive your
WV WORKS benefits by direct deposit:
What is Direct Deposit and How
Does it Benefit Me?
Direct Deposit means that your WV
WORKS benefits will be deposited directly into your own personal bank account.
Receiving your benefits by direct deposit is voluntary. With direct deposit,
your funds will be available in your account on the last state work day of the
month. You will not have to wait for the mail to receive your benefits and you
will not have to go to a store or bank to cash your check. Direct deposit also
eliminates the possibility of lost or stolen checks.
Who and How
If you choose this method, only
your monthly WV WORKS and/or Child Support Incentive cash benefits will be
deposited directly into your personal bank account. Direct deposit will not
include Food Stamps. At this time any other payments you receive from DHHR will
continue to be made by check and sent in the mail.
You must have an active checking
or savings account to choose direct deposit. If you do not have a checking or
savings account and wish to open one, contact your local financial institutions
to see which account best meets your needs. Many banks offer low or no-cost
accounts. We suggest that you review the various accounts available to you in
your area now so that you can make an informed decision about this new
opportunity.
Caution: If you fail to meet
reporting requirements, your benefits may not be deposited into your account.
Once you choose direct deposit, you must make sure you have funds in the account
before writing checks or trying to withdraw money. You will not receive a notice
from the Department of Health and Human Resources about your direct deposit.
That is information shared only with you and the bank. If you have problems with
your direct deposit you must call the AUDITOR’S Office or your financial
institution.
When
Contact your Worker for an
enrollment form. Direct deposit is currently available. If you have any
questions, please contact your local DHHR Worker or the Office of Client
Services at 1-800-642-8589 or (304) 558-2400. You can also call the State
Auditor’s Office at 1-800-500-4079 or (304)-558-2251. |
