a) Replacement of the EBT Card
1) The EBT card (benefit access device) will
be replaced if lost, stolen or damaged.
2) The loss, theft or damage of the EBT card
must be immediately reported to the EBT contractor.
3) The client shall contact the Client Help
Desk toll-free at (800)678-5465, by TTY at (877)765-3459 or via the internet at
http://www.Link.Illinois.go
for replacement of the EBT card and selection of a Personal Identification
Number (PIN). A replacement card my be issued by the local office with
administrative approval.
4)
Administrative remedies, as described in subsection (c) of this Section, may be
imposed following the loss, theft or damage of the EBT card or the loss of SNAP
benefits.
b) For
households receiving SNAP benefits via the EBT system, lost benefits resulting
from the loss or theft of the EBT card and PIN will not be replaced due to the
client's mismanagement or presumed fraud, collusion or cooperation in
fraud.
c) Administrative Remedies
The Department may employ any of the administrative remedies
listed in this subsection (c) to deter multiple claims of benefit loss or
multiple EBT card replacements, subject to notice to and appeal by the client.
Which remedy would be applied will be determined by such elements as the type
of situation that gives rise to the need for the remedy and the effectiveness
of previously utilized remedies.
1)
Charge for Replacement Card or Cards - The Department may assess a fee for
replacement of the EBT card. Such fees may increase for subsequent replacement
cards.
2) Telephone Approval - The
Department may require the client to obtain time and amount-limited telephonic
approval for use of the EBT card. The client would be required to place a call
to the EBT contractor and positively identify himself or herself. The
preauthorization would be time-limited and for a specific, preauthorized
amount. The client would be able to use the card for a period of two hours or
for some other period designated by the Department. The amount of the
transaction could not exceed the preauthorized amount and must be accomplished
electronically (manual authorization or voucher processing). Key-entered
transactions or exception processing may not be used.
3) Transaction Withdrawals - To assist a
client in managing his or her funds or to reduce the potential for fraud, the
Department may limit the amount of benefits that may be withdrawn or used per
transaction per day. The amount would not exceed $50.00 and may be lowered, as
determined by the Department to be necessary under the individual
circumstances.
4) Use of Specific
POS Terminals - The Department may notify a client that it has restricted
benefit access points available to the client. The client may be restricted to
accessing benefits at one or two locations, designated by the Department. The
merchant or retailer would have to obtain telephone authorization of the
transaction. Use of exception processing or key-entered transactions would not
be allowed. This determination can only be imposed for a period not to exceed
24 months and is designed to address situations of mismanagement, fraud,
multiple replacement requests and intentional program violations.
5) Use of Protective or Alternate Payee -
Repeated loss of the EBT card and PIN is a basis for a determination of client
mismanagement and authorization of a Protective Payment Plan (PPP).
d) Other Remedies
The Department may use other remedies to reduce future claims
and to address fraud, abuse, collusion or intentional program violations, as
warranted by the individual case circumstances. Those remedies may include, but
shall not be limited to:
1)
disqualification;
2) penalties,
fines and/or imprisonment consistent with federal and State law and
regulations; and
3) referrals to
federal law enforcement authorities, when appropriate.
