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.