Electronic Benefit Transfer in the Food Stamp Program: The First Decade

摘要

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Consumer Service (FCS) has been atthe forefront of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) development for several years. The authors' experience suggests that EBT has the potential to enhance the Food Stamp Program (FSP) and facilitate the coordination of benefit delivery across multiple programs. Research at FNS shows that much of EBT's promise is within reach. It is clear that the technology works. Recipients, retailers, banks, and States all prefer FBT to coupons. FBT reduces program vulnerability to some kinds of benefit diversion and provides an audit trail that facilitates efficient investigation and successful prosecution of fraudulent activity. At the same time, there are still challenges to meet. Chief among them is ensuring that EBT costs do not exceed its benefits. The Agency (the Food and Consumer Service) is committed to moving forward with EBT on the basis of careful evaluation and sound information.