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:
In 2011 the state legislature enacted RCW 74.08.580 to address concerns regarding use of benefits at prohibited establishments, specifically, the following activities and products:
- Gambling
- Pari-mutuel betting
- Lottery tickets
- Tattoos
- Body piercings
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
It further prohibits taverns, beer/wine specialty stores, nightclubs, contract liquor stores, bail bond agencies, gambling establishments, tattoo/body piercing shops, adult entertainment venues, or any establishment where persons under the age of eighteen are not permitted, from having Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Point of Sale (POS) terminals on their premises that accept EBT cards.
The Department compares a list of EBT transactions at ATMs and POS machines monthly to a list of prohibited locations throughout the State provided by appropriate licensing authority for the state. The state Office of Fraud and Accountability or the state licensing authority for that business type (e.g. Liquor Control Board, Gaming Commission) physically inspects the location to verify that the match is accurate and appropriate and issues notices to non-compliant businesses and clients. Continued non-compliance by businesses results in referral to the individual licensing authority for regulatory action. Continued non-compliance by clients results in the opening of an intentional program violation investigation.