If you are a small business owner you may be familiar with EBT aka electronic benefits transfers. This system facilitates the dissemination of government or state benefits to individuals and families while making retail payments convenient and easy for both the consumer and the business owner. Since this is an electronic-based system, it also allows the government to create a more comprehensive database of beneficiaries and track how consumers use their benefits. This system is particularly useful for those in the welfare system and government assistance since beneficiaries can pay retailers directly using a card that looks like any regular credit or debit card. Like a regular credit card, EBT cards are plastic and come with a magnetic strip or an EMV chip.
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What is EBT? EBT Meaning and Other Definitions
Electronic benefits transfers is an electronic system that allows for the convenient dissemination of assistance funds by state agencies to beneficiary families and individuals. The system work in partnership with retailers and business owners that agree to accept the electronic benefits transfer cards for various transactions.
An electronic benefits transfer card is basically an upgraded and electronic version of the food stamp. With an EBT card, users can receive food and avail of services with payments made directly to retailers. The most common EBT definitions cover the purchase of food assistance through retailers like grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers markets, and bodegas.
In the US electronic benefits transfers are used for various government assistance programs, the most common of which is the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Other programs that use this system include WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), and TANF ( Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). TANF is most commonly known as welfare and is a state-run program that helps families get back on their feet after temporary financial set-backs. At the federal level, the program is run by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Electronic benefits transfers can also extend to cash assistance that is disseminated through partner banks or other financial institutions for various public assistance purposes. It may be used to facilitate other government programs that need immediate fund dissemination such as general assistance programs, emergency or calamity assistance, among others. For example, the government recently issued a Pandemic EBT which is part of the government response to the pandemic. This fund benefits children that would have received free or reduced-price meals and lunches at school if not for the school closures that occurred during the pandemic.
Beneficiaries need to apply for the program before they can avail themselves of the benefits. Once approved, they will receive their benefits card in the mail. Benefits are deposited monthly into the beneficiary’s account. Beneficiaries can access their accounts and use their cards using a PIN, very similar to how credit cards are used. Aside from participating merchants and retailers, EBT benefits and funds can be accessed at ATM machines and POS (point of sale) terminals.
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How to Process EBT Payments: Quick Guide for Merchants
While there is always a certain amount of red tape involved in processing your application to receive EBT payments, the process is relatively straightforward. Business owners can start the process by completing the online application and submitting the required documents. This online application is the first step towards getting the SNAP permit which enables a business to start accepting EBT payments.
Retailers who are eligible for the program must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The business is engaged in selling staple food (dairy, breads, grains, cereals)
- One or more staple foods account for over 50% of the gross retail sales
Aside from this criteria, applicants will be asked for copies of their business license, drivers license or other form of ID, Social Security information and basic financial information.
Aside from grocery stores and neighborhood markets, SNAP permits are also given to farm stands and farmers’ markets. Approvals for applications are also easy to obtain as long as the merchant meets the criteria and is able to provide the required documents. Approval is often given 30- 45 days after submission of documents.
The government also provides retailer training materials on its website which covers training expectations, explanations on the program rules, regulations, and policies as well as answers to common questions such as eligible food products, tax issues, and POS hardware and equipment requirements. Training and orientation is a must since only approved food items may be purchased using SNAP funds. For example, alcohol, pet food and non-food items will not be covered under the program, even if these items are bought inside an EBT approved establishment.
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EBT and How It Can Affect Your Business
Electronic benefits transfer cards can affect small businesses because they will need to set up the physical system to accept SNAP benefits. However, upgrading to the EBT system and becoming a partner retailer is largely beneficial to any retailer big or small.
Over 45 million Americans are registered in the EBT system. This means that they utilize their monthly benefits to purchase fresh produce and food at partner retailers like food shops, grocery stores, and supermarkets. Becoming a partner retailer widens the retailer’s consumer base and can boost their bottom line. Aside from that, it also makes retailers a community partner in the push to encourage the consumption of healthy and nutritious food items.
The convenience that comes with the ability to accept EBT payments is beneficial for the operations of any business establishment. Because this is an electronic system retailers can eliminate tasks-intensive manual processes. Shifting to an electronic system can also help avoid record keeping mistakes and facilitate faster checkouts.
Since EBT cards resemble regular credit or debit cards, their use also helps eliminate the stigma that is often attached to being a beneficiary of the state. Most importantly, retailers and business owners that are part of the SNAP benefits program and other EBT programs can take a more active part in community building by ensuring that government benefits are easily accessible to those who need it
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