EBT introduces food stamp recipients to the same banking technology that commercial banking customers use. Using a debit card moves recipients one step closer to the mainstream. EBT offers greater security and safety since recipients no longer need to carry large amounts of food stamps. Retailers are able to provide better customer service in the checkout lane because EBT transactions are faster and more efficient than paper coupons. All of the food stamp dollar is spent on food since change is never given.
Retailers save money since they no longer have to count, bundle and otherwise handle coupons.
Since EBT has been shown to be more cost effective than paper coupons for the federal government, EBT even saves taxpayers money. EBT improves USDA's ability to identify both store and household trafficking through EBT's detailed audit trail. As a result, we are now able to focus our investigatory resources and take swifter action against fraudulent parties. The NCS represents 1.5 million food stamp and more than 1.0 million cash assistance households. The advantages of a multistate consortium benefit states and program participants alike.