What is EBT?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a method of electronically distributing benefit programs, such as cash benefits or food stamps to disadvantaged individuals.

How does it work?

Beneficiaries or recipients are assigned an account and issued a plastic card by their state government.  Dollar balances are then added to their accounts, and “recipients” use the card to purchase goods at participating merchant locations.

EBT transactions are PIN-based. Authorization and settlement processes are similar to Debit transactions.  Like Debit, the movement of settlement dollars begins after the authorization “approval” response. 

What does the merchant need?

The 2 main assistance programs are:

·        Cash Benefits

·        Food Stamps

For a merchant to accept Food Stamps, they must have a Food Consumer Service code (FCS).  The merchant should contact the U. S. Department of Agriculture to obtain this number.

What are the equipment requirements?

EBT supported terminals include:

Hypercom T7 Plus

Nurit 8000

Hypercom T7P

Nurit 3010

Omni 3200SE

Nurit 2085

Omni 3210SE

 Omni 3750

*Important note – EBT transactions are PIN-based.  Either the integrated PIN Pad or a peripheral PIN Pad must be loaded with the encryption Keys for the applicable network to accept EBT.