WV EBT Card

WHAT IS EBT? ADVANTAGES OF EBT FORMS & BROCHURES DIRECT DEPOSIT LINKS STAFF FAQ EBT HOME

What is EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the electronic delivery of Food Stamp and WV WORKS monthly cash assistance and the Child Support Incentive to those families receiving these benefits. Benefits are accessed with a plastic card. It replaced West Virginia's issuance of Food Stamp coupons and WV WORKS paper monthly assistance checks. EBT began with a Pilot Operation in Cabell and Wayne Counties, with the rest of the state converted in a phased manner, becoming statewide in May 2003.

As an alternative to having cash benefits placed on the EBT card, WV WORKS clients may chose to receive their WV WORKS monthly benefits by Direct Deposit. If Direct Deposit is chosen, WV WORKS monthly benefits will be deposited into the client's personal bank account. Otherwise, WV WORKS monthly benefits will be placed on the EBT card. Direct Deposit is only available for WV WORKS monthly benefits. To learn more about Direct Deposit or to enroll in Direct Deposit, click on Direct Deposit.

Eligibility requirements and the amount of assistance received do not change under EBT. Once approved, an EBT account is opened in the client's name, and Food Stamp and/or WV WORKS benefits are electronically deposited into the account.

Everyone Benefits from EBT

  • Easy - Food Stamp benefits may be accessed through Point of Sale (POS) machines at any USDA approved retailer. WV WORKS monthly benefits may be accessed through Automated Teller Machines (ATM's) and Point of Sale (POS) machines at various stores. The EBT card is similar to commercial debit and ATM cards. The EBT card will only work with a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) selected by the client.

Clients may attend an initial training session to learn about EBT and view the EBT Training Video. Clients also have a 24-hour, toll free phone number to call for assistance to use the card, to obtain account balances and to report lost or stolen cards.  Clients now also have an Account Information Internet site which they can utilize to access balance and transaction history information at the click of a mouse. 

  • Convenient - Families will no longer have to go to banks, check cashing agents, or wait for the mail to receive their benefits. Benefits will be credited to the EBT card on a monthly basis. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP YOUR EBT CARD FROM MONTH TO MONTH TO INSURE THE TIMELY ACCESS TO YOUR BENEFITS!

When paying for groceries, the Food Stamp customer's card is run through an electronic reader or a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal, and the customer enters the secret PIN number to access the Food Stamp account. Then, electronically, the PIN and account balance are verified, and an authorization or denial is sent back electronically to the retailer. If the transaction is approved, the customer's account is debited for the amount of the purchase, and the retailer's account is credited.

Safe - The EBT card can never be used without the customer's Personal Identification Number (PIN). It is important to tell your PIN to no one. EBT helps to protect against loss or theft since no money or Food Stamps change hands. If the EBT card is lost or stolen, it cannot be used without the client's PIN. Benefits are stored in an electronic account so there is no need for clients to carry a large sum of cash or food coupons. Payment is made to the authorized Food Stamp retailer at the end of the business day. The process is the same for WV WORKS cash assistance at participating retailers and ATM's.

Reliable - Electronically distributed benefits are delivered accurately and on time, avoiding the inconsistencies of receiving a check or coupons by mail.

Independent - Families are no longer stigmatized by using coupons since EBT cards are similar to other debit or credit cards used by other shoppers. EBT introduces families to the same banking technology that commercial banking customers use. Using a debit card moves families one step closer to the mainstream and affords them the knowledge they need to move to electronic banking.

Retailers - and bankers like EBT. No longer are they required to sort, count or bundle paper coupons. Retailers are able to provide better customer service because EBT transactions are faster and more convenient than paper transactions. The EBT settlement process is automatic, providing accurate and expedient payment to the retailer's account. Audit trails of transactions are available to assist in detecting any fraudulent activity.

WHAT IS EBT? ADVANTAGES OF EBT FORMS & BROCHURES DIRECT DEPOSIT LINKS STAFF FAQ EBT HOME