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20 Section 4 - BENEFITS

Family Employment Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) The Family Employment Program will provide at least monthly issuance of cash assistance through EBT to families participating in appropriate activities such as job search, job training, adult education, community work, and other related employment activities of the program.

TANF recipients who access TANF assistance through an electronic benefit transfer, including through an automated teller machine (ATM) or point-of-sale device, in an establishment in the state that exclusively or primarily sells intoxicating liquor, allows gambling or gaming, provides adult-oriented entertainment where performers disrobe or perform unclothed, or use TANF financial assistance benefits to purchase beer, intoxicating beverages, cigarettes, or tobacco products are considered to be in violation of the program. Those found guilty of unauthorized spending of TANF financial assistance benefits may constitute an intentional program violation (IPV) and be disqualified from TANF assistance for a period of 12 months. In an effort to restrict the use of TANF funds in these locations, the state will block access of TANF transactions on state EBT cards at these locations and will maintain records of those cases in which an IPV has occurred.

Recipients who receive TANF assistance have adequate access to using or withdrawing assistance with minimal fees or charges, including opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges outside of these restrictions. Recipients are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance and such information is made publicly available.

Utah's Administrative Rule R986-200-249 (Access to Assistance) states "Financial Assistance for FEP and FEP-TP is provided through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. The card, instructions on its use and applicable fees will be provided to all customers. A method for obtaining assistance without a fee will be made available. In other circumstances, minimal fees and/or surcharges will apply. Information about obtaining assistance without a fee or surcharge, when fees or surcharges apply, and the amount of the fee or surcharge is available on the Department's website: jobs.utah.gov."

DWS informs TANF customers and the public about restrictions on the department's website at jobs.utah.gov. Changes are also posted on "myCase," the online account access site where DWS customers may check the status of their application or case information. A FEP agreement that is signed by the customer during an orientation includes a statement about the EBT restrictions. All customers are informed of the restrictions from the time of application and throughout the case management process. The public can view details on the Department's website jobs.utah.gov how individuals are able to access cash assistance and the ability to use or withdraw assistance with minimal or no fees or charges. Recipients are informed that they may receive cash back at no fee or charge at a retailer when doing a purchase. Other ATMs may charge a surcharge at the owner's discretion. There are two options for recipients to report when they are unable to conveniently access an ATM or POS system. They may call the DWS general questions line at 801-526-9675 to report their experience or they may also file a complaint on our website at jobs.utah.gov