Evaluation of the Expanded Off-Line EBT System in Ohio. Moving to a Statewide EBT211 System Using Smart Cards for Food Stamps

摘要

The report explores the suitability of off-line electronic benefits transfer211u001e(EBT) as an alternative to paper issuance and on-line EBT issuance systems, the 211u001eU.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has supported 211u001ethe Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS) in expanding off-line EBT issuance 211u001eto all Food Stamp Program (FSP) recipients in the state. One of the primary goals 211u001eof the evaluation is to determine the FSP costs of operating a statewide, off-211u001eline EBT system and to compare these costs to statewide on-line EBT systems. 211u001eAnother goal is to document the process of system implementation and system 211u001eoperations, and problems encountered, so that FNS and other states will have more 211u001einformation upon which to base future decisions about EBT system choice.