E - Pay - Agency Moves from "Paper to Plastic"

COLUMBIA, SC (04/03/2009)(readMedia)-- The Department of Social Services announces a change in the Family Independence Program. The agency will move from paper checks to debit cards for the 17,000 South Carolinians that receive services. This key step in the agency's efforts to modernize services is scheduled for completion in May.

Linda S. Martin, Family Assistance program director said, "The change represents a "win-win" for both citizens receiving benefits and the taxpayers of South Carolina. Citizens served by DSS will no longer be required to cash checks and carry their entire monthly stipend on them. Electronic delivery of benefits is more efficient, reliable and safer. It also represents a cost savings for the State to process the payments."

The Department of Social Services currently provides electronic delivery for Foster Parent board payments, Adoption Subsidy payments, and Child Care providers. Some transactions may have fees, however, so DSS is educating recipients now on how to access their funds for free.

The State's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards continue to be used to provide access to SNAP (formerly called Food Stamp) benefits. Currently, more than 300,000 South Carolina households use EBT cards to purchase food items. "South Carolina's EBT program has been very successful. Ninety-five percent of Family Independence recipients successfully have used EBT cards to purchase food over the past 15 years. We are delighted to provide our recipients with another method to move into the electronic mainstream," Martin said.

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