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:
(OMB Control Number: 0970-0145)
g. Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a)(12), including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance (section 402(a)(1)(A)(vii) of the Social Security Act)
Current Narrative:
Needy families, through the FITAP, KCSP, and STEP programs will be provided financial assistance, job preparation, work and supportive services. Financial assistance is delivered through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
The department has promulgated rules to establish provisions necessary to prevent cash assistance provided under the FITAP and KCSP programs from being used in any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) transaction in a liquor store, gambling casino or gaming establishment, or any retail establishment that provides adult—oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment purposes, or at any retailer for the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, a tobacco product, or a lottery ticket.
Louisiana continues to provide recipients access to their benefits and related services in each of the 64 parishes based on the policies and procedures in effect. All of the major ATM networks accept the Louisiana Purchase (EBT) cards and many carry the Louisiana Purchase logo on the machines to allow the recipient to know that the card is accepted.
Stolen EBT Benefits
Effective May 2023, households who have stolen EBT benefits may complete a statement regarding the theft of EBT benefits. The theft of benefits must be reported within 30 days of the theft and the adjoining police report must be submitted within 14 days of the notification to DCFS.
The state will accept reports of stolen EBT benefits through in-person, phone, call center, online submission, emails, or through the DCFS Fraud Hotline online portal.
The state will determine if the loss of benefits was related to EBT card cloning/skimming at a compromised retailer and the amount of the loss.
The household may request a Fair Hearing if they disagree with the amount of benefits being replaced. The Fraud and Recovery will notify the household in writing that their complaint regarding EBT theft of benefits was denied and why. This notice will include a section for an appeal.
All claims will be maintained within the Fraud and Recovery system which will track the amount of the claim, the required police report, and the Statement regarding the theft of EBT benefits. The Fraud and Recovery Unit will maintain all records for reports of EBT theft to ensure that the benefits will not be replaced more than twice per FFY.
The state is working with our vendor to implement safeguards. The recipient would have to submit a request for available security features to be added to their EBT account, via the vendor’s app, portal, or by telephone. Security features may include:
- Spending Threshold
- Restrict Out of State Purchases
- Restrict Online Purchases
To ensure access to benefits, the state will use social media, text messaging, community partners, and updates to the state website to inform recipients of the new policy.