Located in:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:
h. Ensure That Recipients of Assistance Provided Under the State Program Funded Under This Part Have the Ability to Use or Withdraw Assistance with Minimal Fees or Charges, Including an Opportunity to Access Assistance with No Fee or Charges, and Are Provided Information on Applicable Fees and Surcharges That Apply to Electronic Fund Transactions Involving the Assistance, and That Such Information is Made Publicly Available (section 402(a)(1)(a)(viii) of the Social Security Act)
Current Narrative:
While there are client restrictions regarding EBT access and use of TANF benefits, Minnesota is required by federal law to ensure that applicants and recipients are provided adequate access to cash assistance with minimal or no fees or charges for withdrawal. Clients pay electronic fees similar to non–TANF clients. Clients get 4 free EBT cash withdrawals per month and eFunds then charges $1 for subsequent Cash withdrawals. This fee is not charged until the client’s 5th cash withdrawal. Clients are given the EBT Training Brochure by County workers and/or County Card Issuers (DHS–3315A). Furthermore, if clients request training in addition to the brochure, counties provide EBT training video to walk clients through the process. Clients have the option to make cash withdrawals either from an ATM machine of their choice or they may ask sales clerks tending to Point of Sale machines for assistance to help them get “cash back” when withdrawing the amount of cash benefits they want to withdraw at a specific time at places where they normally shop.