Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the distribution of food stamp benefits with a plastic debit card. The card replaces paper food stamp coupons. The Virginia Department of Social Services administers the program.

Why is it necessary?
Federal welfare reform legislation requires states to implement an electronic benefits transfer system that will allow recipients to use plastic cards to purchase food using their food stamp benefits. Under the current program, food stamps are distributed monthly to recipients by mail, private vendors, or in person at local departments of social services. The EBT card will provide recipients benefits electronically, thus eliminating food stamp coupons. The EBT card may reduce the risk of food stamp loss, theft, and fraud.

Who will use the EBT system?
Recipients of food stamps.

How will customers access benefits through EBT?
Through the use of an EBT card, clients can use food stamp benefits at the point-of-sale terminals of retailers, such as grocery stores, authorized by the USDA to accept food stamp benefits.

Who will provide the EBT service?
The Virginia Department of Social Services has entered into a three-year agreement with CitiCorp Services Inc. (CSI) to provide EBT services to Virginia's food stamp clients. CSI is an experienced EBT provider and currently provides EBT services for more than 30 other states.

For more information about EBT, visit the Virginia EBT Web Site at www.ebtvirginia.com or the Virginia Department of Social Services' Web Site:  http://www.dss.state.va.us

Questions/Comments
Contact:
Greensville/Emporia Department of Social Services
P.O. Box 1136
Emporia, Virginia  23847
Phone:  434-634-6576
 Monday -  Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
E-mail:  info@gedss.org

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