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North Carolina

54 a) was lost in the mail or damaged by the vendor prior to receipt by the Work First household b) is being replaced due to a name change on card c) was lost due to a natural disaster such as a fire, flood, tornado or hurricane d) was damaged by a retailer or vendor. Fees associated with the use of the EBT card will be deducted from the balance of the card based on the available benefits in the account. If the recipient is receiving FNS benefits and Work First, the $2.50 card replacement fee will be deducted from the FNS allotment first. If there are not sufficient funds in the FNS EBT account or the recipient does receive FNS, the replacement card fee will be deducted from the program account with funds available to cover the fee. If there are not sufficient funds in any single account, the EBT system will issue the card and deduct the funds at the next benefit issuance. Ensuring Adequate Access

Many Work First households do not have access to transportation or the funds for transportation if ATM or POS machines in their neighborhoods are restricted and they are forced to travel further to obtain benefits. To ensure adequate access, the Division: (1) allows recipients to withdraw funds based on their needs, without any restrictions on frequency or amount; (2) provides the choice to receive funds via direct deposit or EBT; (3) provides information regarding fees and surcharges, at minimum, during the application and review process.

All local county agencies are required to inform and discuss with all applicants/recipients the Electronic Issuance process, so the best decision can be made for the family. EBT Brochures and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) flyer are available at the local county agency. Counties maintain inventory of EBT brochures. Counties can order brochures yearly or as needed. The FAQ is also available on the NC DHHS/DSS website. The Division continues to collaborate with local agencies to ensure adequate access to benefits and to mitigate any access barriers as identified for participants.

Misuse

The Division applies compliance measures when it is determined there is EBT misuse. Misuse of the card may result in the following: • a determination of fraudulent activity and repayment of benefits; • assignment of a protective payee; and/or • loss of cash assistance benefits.

At the initial infraction, a protective payee will be assigned for period of 6 months or until the next case review, whichever is less. If a protective payee is assigned the Work First cash assistance payment will be issued on a separate EBT dedicated to the Work First payment only. Co-mingled funds (Work First and FNS funds) issued on the same card will be issued on a separate EBT card if a violation occurs.

Subsequent infractions may result in the case head being excluded from the Work First cash assistance payment. The children will remain eligible for the reduced cash assistance payment with an assigned protective payee. The case head will remain