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TANF POLICY MANUAL

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TANF benefits are deposited into the account 2 days after case approval for newly approved cases. For ongoing cases, benefits are available the 1st of each month.

The following cases are not eligible for Electronic Issuance: A. Protective Payee cases – benefits are paid to someone other than the TANF recipient. B. Some child only cases – no adult is included in the payment amount. NOTE: Child only cases with the required demographic information on the CHIP system will receive benefits electronically.

1. ePAY Debit Cards The ePAY debit card is used to access monies which are deposited into an ePAY account by DSS. The ePAY debit cards are plastic and have the MasterCard logo. The ePAY debit cards can be used at location(s) that accepts MasterCard (exceptions apply, see 11.2.3).

Cards are created and mailed to the recipient within 7-10 business days of case authorization in the following situations:

A. Initial case approval B. New PI has been identified in CHIP C. Protective Payee has been removed from CHIP

All ePAY debit cards are mailed from the vendor. The cards that are undeliverable by the US Postal Service will not be forwarded to the county or State DSS offices but will be returned to the vendor.

The ePAY debit card is still valid after the TANF case closes. The card may be used after a case closes and benefits remain in the account. If the client reapplies after case closure, a new ePAY debit card will not be issued unless one is requested by the recipient.

NOTE: The ePAY debit card has no link to the SNAP EBT card.

2. ePAY Debit Card Activation The recipient must activate the ePAY debit card prior to initial use. To activate the ePAY debit card, the recipient must: A. Call Customer Service at 1-855-270-4445 B. Have the ePAY debit card in hand; Must give card number C. Know social security number D. Know date of birth E. Select a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) F. Sign name on back of card in ink. (Signature included as step 2 under activation steps; probably as a measure of reminding clients that without signature, card cannot be used.)

3. ePAY Access The ePAY account is a debit account and is subject to banking rules. DSS staff will not have access to information regarding individual card usage. Recipients have the right to make their own