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North Carolina

53 licensing agencies to educate and inform of the federal law regarding EBT transactions in the proscribed retail establishments. A request was also made to these agencies to partner and collaborate with the agencies in developing additional strategies for enforcement. These regulatory and licensing agencies were provided with a facsimile of the EBT card to acquaint them with this prohibited method of payment. The Division will have ongoing dialogue with the agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of this initiative and to implement additional strategies as necessary. The Division provided local social service agencies policy guidance regarding the transition to electronic payment issuance and EBT restrictions. Local social service agencies have access to EBT brochures and FAQ for distribution when engaging applicants and recipients to ensure that recipients are aware of the EBT fees and restrictions. Local social service agencies are encouraged to ensure that Work First recipients are informed and reminded of the restrictions on a regular basis. The Division continues to develop and implement strategies for EBT restrictions. These ongoing steps include collaborating with the EBT vendor to identify and block access to restricted Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and to monitor and maintain a current list of prohibited locations. Specific control methods and/or system enhancements include, but not be limited to: a) Identifying locations where EBT cash transactions are prohibited; b) Blocking ATM cash transactions at specified locations; and c) Blocking EBT cash purchase transactions at the following locations: 1. Drinking Places (Alcoholic Bev) – Bars, Taverns, Nightclubs 2. Package Stores, Beer, Wine, Liquor 3. Betting (including Lottery/Casino/Wagers at Race Track 4. Sweepstakes Parlors (online gambling) 5. Adult Entertainment (nightclubs, strip clubs) The Division will periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the policies and procedures to prevent the use of Work First payments via electronic benefit transactions at specific locations and adjust policies as necessary. Policies and Fees There may be fees associated with direct deposit that are imposed by the recipients’ financial institution. These fees are the responsibility of the recipient. The financial institution cannot impose charges for an account that it does not impose on its other customers for that same type of account. Work First households will receive the initial EBT card at no cost. If the family receives Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits, the Work First payment may be issued on the same card. The first cash withdrawal transaction at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is free. There is a $0.85 for each additional cash withdrawal. There are not any fees for point-of sale (POS) transactions. Work First households that request a replacement EBT card shall be assessed a $2.50 fee. The fee shall be deducted from the account of the Work First household. The fee shall be refunded if the EBT card: