Mandatory Replacement of “Flag” Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards
Please see the attached information on the new EBT Card replacement project. Per Phebe Powell with DCF, “This information is critical to our homeless population that uses a general delivery address. Once the new card is mailed their current card will be disabled within 90 days so it is critical that the customers activate their new cards”.
Here’s some more information on the replacement from Meg Petroski, DCF Sr. Human Services Program Specialist:
“For the last few months, everyone who requested a new EBT card received a new “ACCESS” card with the lighthouse design. This was also issued to all new clients. Now it is time to replace all the other old cards so that everyone will be using the new ACCESS card by July 31, 2012.
Attached is a handout which shows when the new cards will be mailed as well as some other information about the new cards and the phone numbers clients can call to request one if they do not receive it by the time the last cards are mailed in April. They will be sent to the address on the EBT system and will be sent to all active customers. Their old card will automatically be disabled 90 days after the new card is mailed.
Cards that are returned due to insufficient or incorrect addresses will be coded as undeliverable in the EBT system. The client will need to call and request a new one, and give their correct address. We are hoping to get a monthly list of returned cards so we can check the addresses and reissue if it is our error. “Flag” cards for those whose ACCESS cards are returned will not be deactivated until further notice.
We are particularly concerned about our homeless clients and those whose addresses frequently change. Their card may be sent to general delivery and the client may not receive it as they do not know to be looking for it.
Therefore we are requesting that everyone share this attachment and information with community partners, storefronts, client relations and administrative staff, group home and treatment center representatives and others who can post it and spread the word about the new cards and when their county’s cards will be mailed. This handout can also be copied and given to clients who contact the agency through storefronts and partners.”
Questions about this should be addressed to Phebe Powell with DCF. Her contact info is:
Phebe Powell
Community Development Administrator
Department of Children & Families -Circuit 18
375 Commerce Parkway, Suite 101
Rockledge, Florida 32955
Phone: 321-634-3640
Cell 407-409-0050
