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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2024-2026

Effective Date: 10/1/23 – 9/30/26 ☐ Initial Submission Date: 12/31/2023 ☒ Revision Date: 04/15/2024 Page: 13

Connecticut ensures that TANF cash assistance recipients have the ability to use and access their benefit with minimal or no fees or charges through the use of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Connecticut does not issue checks for TANF cash assistance. When a client chooses EFT, they retain the ability to control the location and fees associated with their card use and cash access. The EBT cards are useable at all Point of Service (POS) devices (as cash back) and at all ATMs that display the Quest logo. If the TFA recipient is having problems accessing a local POS or ATM device, he/she can contact the EBT customer service statewide free phone line, which will assist with identifying other locations or will refer the recipient to the regional state office where the recipient applied for assistance. The EBT contract provides two free cash withdrawals per month at ATMs, and unlimited cash back with purchase at those POS locations that allow cash back with purchase. After the two free withdrawals, the client is subject to all the normal bank fees associated with an ATM transaction, in addition to a $.50 EBT charge. Balances on ATM receipts and on receipts at POS devices also provide updated information about the client’s cash assistance balance, and clients are advised to keep these receipts and note their balance.

Information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions is provided to TFA recipients via the following publication “Electronic Benefit Transfer: How to use your EBT Card.” EBT and other program information is available at https://portal.ct.gov/dss.

A monthly audit process has been established and is monitored by DSS staff.

TANF Purpose #1: Provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or the homes of relatives.

TANF Purpose #2: End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage.