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659 Chapter 3:Processes and procedures • Section 3: Issuance of benefits (07/2026) Issuance of benefits Issuing benefits is a separate function from eligibility determination. Currently, the program benefits available by Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) include SNAP, TANF, Refugee Program, prison release funds, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Job Participation Incentive (JPI). The Oregon EBT Card makes benefits available electronically to recipients of cash and SNAP benefits by using a plastic debit card at point-of-sale (POS) devices and most automated teller machines (ATMs – cash only). For participants 65 and older or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and live in a cash-out demonstration area (Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington counties), SNAP benefits are deposited to a cash account and are available at both POS devices and ATMs. They may also choose Direct Deposit. Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) The Oregon Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system issues the SNAP and Cash benefits available to individuals by using a plastic debit card which can be used at point-of-sale (POS) devices and automated teller machines (ATMs). Oregon’s EBT contractor is Fidelity Information Services (FIS or eFunds/FIS). One advantage of the Oregon EBT Card is benefit availability. Weekends and holidays do not affect when an individual receives their benefits. The individual will know when their benefits are available. There are two types of accounts available in the system: a cash account and a food account. • Cash benefits issued by ONE will be deposited in the cash account. SNAP cash-out benefits are also deposited in the cash account unless participants opt for their SNAP cash benefits to be direct deposited into their bank account. • All other SNAP benefits will be deposited in the food benefit account. SNAP cash-out individuals must be issued their SNAP benefits through the EBT or direct deposit system. On a case-by-case basis, SNAP cash-out individuals who are unable to adjust to the cash account EBT system may receive their benefits by direct deposit. In cases where the direct deposit fails, a check will be issued. In rare circumstances, individuals in the SNAP Cash-out project can have their benefits mailed to them in the form of a check. This is not an option we offer; it is an exception when there is justification and supervisory approval, or if the direct deposit fails. In the ONE system on the Preferred Payment Details screen, under Issuance Method Details, there is not an option to choose for Check for either the Initial/Supplemental Payment Method or for the On-going Payment Method. Please choose Direct deposit. After authorizing, add a case note explaining and send an email to SNAP Policy (SNAP.POLICY@odhsoha.oregon.gov) with the following information: • Case name • Case number • Manager/Supervisor approving the exception • Reason or justification for the exception The Direct Deposit record will be intercepted and flipped to paper check. If this step is missed, Direct Deposit will be attempted. When it fails, a paper check will get mailed and will likely result in a delay.