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the entire month. Staff reviews each questionable transaction to determine if the recipient used TANF assistance through EBT transaction in a liquor store, casino, or adult entertainment establishment. Staff reviews each location to see whether it meets the criteria for a retail establishment that provides adult- oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment.

 DHS has elected to send letters to individuals with prohibited transactions reminding them not to use their TANF assistance at any one of the prohibited locations. Since 2014, DHS has sent 192 letters to individuals found to have used their EBT card at one of these locations. (h) Ensure that recipients of assistance provided under the State program funded under this part have the ability to use or withdraw 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 (section 402(a)(1)(A)(viii) of the Social Security Act) Pennsylvania continues to provide access to TANF benefits and related services in each of the commonwealth’s 67 counties based on the policies and procedures in effect. During Fiscal Year (FY) 1997-98, Pennsylvania implemented a Statewide EBT system to replace the paper-based welfare benefits issuance system. EBT is a state-of-the-art means for electronically issuing public assistance benefits through a statewide network of automatic teller machines (ATM) and point-of-sale (POS) devices to electronically deliver cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits throughout the commonwealth. Pennsylvania TANF recipients may access their benefits at ATMs located throughout all 67 counties in banks, grocery stores, shopping centers and gas stations. The ATM tells the user that a surcharge will be charged and, if they do not want to pay it, the ATM provides the option to cancel the transaction. Many ATMs do not charge any transaction fee for use. Pennsylvania’s TANF recipients may use their EBT cards at any store that accepts the Pennsylvania EBT card. Use of the EBT card in stores is a cost-free transaction for the recipient. Recipients may access their benefits at no cost by requesting cash after a POS purchase and access their benefits without penalty.