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MS 0290 (1) Volume 1 – General Administration MS 0290 – R. 6/1/24 – OMTL-649 Security of EBT Cards Worker Portal tracks Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards from the initial request through the final process, eliminating the need for hardcopy logs that were previously used. The system has security measures in place to ensure separation of duties. EBT cards are sent to the household’s mailing address entered on Worker Portal. However, if the household has issues receiving mail, the EBT card can be mailed to the local office. [When a new card is requested, the worker selects the office location where the household wants to pick up the new card. When received in the mail, the receiving worker or administrative specialist updates the system to show the card as received in the local office. The same worker that made the EBT card request is not allowed to log the card as received in the local office. Additionally, when the individual comes in to pick up the EBT card, neither the worker that made the card request, nor the worker that logged the card as received by the local office, are allowed to give the card to household. The system requires the card to be updated as given to the household by a third, separate worker or administrative specialist. This individual verifies the identity of person picking up the card and enters case comments accordingly. In the event Worker Portal is unavailable, the worker should obtain a signed form EBT-29, Affidavit of EBT Card Receipt, give the card to the household and scan form EBT-29 into the electronic case file. The individual has 30 days from the date the card was received by the local office to pick up the EBT card. If the individual fails to pick up the EBT card by close of business on the 30th day, a task is generated to the supervisor to destroy the card the following business day. If the individual comes into the local office to pick up the card and the EBT card has been destroyed, request another card. When EBT cards are received in the local office and the envelope has been opened or a card is found and returned to the local office, update Worker Portal to show the card as received in that office. The supervisor and another employee destroys and/or witnesses the destruction of the EBT card if the card is returned to the local office, received damaged or not picked up within 30 days, and updates Worker Portal at the time of destruction.] To maintain the security of EBT cards in the local office: A. The Field Services Supervisor: 1. Maintains overall responsibility for secure storage of EBT cards and logging each card into Worker Portal; 2. Ensures EBT cards are NEVER left unsecured; 3. Routinely inspects the secure storage area;