Beginning in July,
Hamilton County’s 135,000 food assistance consumers will receive new
electronic benefit cards.
Recently, J.P.
Morgan Electronic Financial Services (EFS) was selected to take
over the operation and management of the Ohio Electronic Benefit
Transfer (EBT) system. This system supports the Ohio Direction Card,
generally known as food assistance, and EPPICard prepaid debit cards
for cash assistance.
With this change,
families receiving cash and food assistance will be given new cards.
Although the cards will look different, the use and benefits will
not change.
Businesses that
accept the Ohio Direction Cards and EPPICards have been made aware
of the change and will be prepared to accept the new cards when they
arrive.
The Ohio Department
of Job and Family Services requests all recipients update their
current address so they are able to receive their cards.
Although the date
when the card will be sent out has not been finalized, HCJFS will
notify Hamilton County recipients before the cards are distributed.