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I V - A S T A T E O F M A I N E T A N F S T A T E P L A N 13 | P a g e

To further ensure the integrity of EBT card use, Maine also blocks TANF cash transactions at restricted locations, monitors EBT cash transactions to track misuse on a database, provides recipients with an acknowledgement form with information on appropriate use of TANF, discusses cash and EBT cards and the penalties for misuse at application and redetermination.

Low-income families will still be able to access benefits at grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other establishments. Recipients are able to access their cash benefits at Automated Teller Machines (ATM) or Point of Sale (POS) machines in the same manner as other citizens can access their banked funds.

If a TANF recipient reports there is no place other than a restricted location to access their benefit, eligibility staff will work with the recipient to attempt to identify other locations for use by the recipient. This is done on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the recipient’s specific circumstances. If an eligibility specialist determines that a recipient does not have adequate access to TANF cash benefits, options such as issuing the cash benefit via deposit into the recipient’s bank account or to a third-party payee will be explored.

Ensure Access to Benefits (42 U.S.C. 602 (a)(1)(A)(viii))

Explanation of how the state plans to ensure that recipients of assistance have access to using or withdrawing 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.

Recipients of TANF assistance have adequate access to using or withdrawing their benefits with minimal fees or charges, including the opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges outside of these restrictions. TANF recipients have two free ATM withdrawals each month at ATMs which do not surcharge. If a TANF recipient reports he or she is unable to access an ATM that does not surcharge, the Department will work with that recipient to locate an acceptable alternative.

Information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving TANF assistance is made publicly available.

Recipients of TANF cash assistance receive information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic funds transfer in a brochure that accompanies the EBT card, in the TANF Handbook given to each new TANF applicant and via the Pine Tree Card website at www.pinetreecard.com.