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Successful EBT Programs Around the United States
Note: This is a selected list only -- these programs are offered as examples and not as a complete list of successful EBT programs in the United States.The State of Texas Lone Star Card
Department of Health and Human Services
The State of Texas operates the largest EBT system in the country. The Lone Star card, a magnetic stripe card, provides food stamp and TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) benefits to more than 1 million Texans. Benefit recipients can use their cards to access their food and cash benefits at any one of over 14,000 authorized retail stores. The program will save Texas taxpayers $10.6 million by 2001 and will save the federal government $79 million in administrative costs over the same period.
The State of Connecticut EBT Quest Card
Department of Social Services
Connecticut's EBT card offers access to five state and federal benefits programs including food stamps, TANF, state assistance, child support disregard and Social Security Insurance State Supplement. The state also offers cardholders the convenience of using ATM machines to access cash benefits. The Connecticut EBT card became the first in the nation to use the new Quest mark. Developed by the National EBT Council, the Quest establishes a common set of voluntary operating rules for government-managed EBT programs.
The State of Ohio Smart Card
Department of Human Services
Ohio has been delivering food stamp benefits via smart cards in parts of the state since 1992, making it the oldest EBT system in the country using smart cards. The state is currently in the process of converting the food stamp system statewide to a smart card system. When the conversion is complete, all food stamp retailers in the state will have smart card equipment in their stores. This fall, the state will also begin using the smart card to deliver cash welfare benefits (TANF).
United States Department of Defense Multi-technology Automated Reader Card (MARC)
The U.S. military test-piloted the use of an integrated circuit "smart card" from 1994-1996 in Oahu, Hawaii. The project was aimed at providing a multi-functional, cross-service, portable platform capable of storing information related to: 1) Mobility Processing, 2) Personnel Accountability, 3) Manifesting, 4) Field Medical Treatment, 5) Food Service Operations, and 6) Patient Reception. The program evaluation team concluded that the card succeeded in eliminating the need for single-use, non-interoperable cards, improving functional processes and streamlining paperwork. The test also showed that the card-based system could save the U.S. Army alone $475.56 million dollars.
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