Debit-Card System to Replace Food Stamps
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Yuba County will soon replace paper food stamps with state-issued debit cards that keep track of recipients’ benefits.
The new system, called electronic benefits transfer, should be in place by Feb. 1. It will allow people eligible for CalWORKS and food stamp programs to get their benefits thorough plastic debit cards, similar to automated teller machine cards.
Cardholders will have personal identification numbers and will be able to access their food stamp and cash benefits at grocery stores, retail stores and certain ATM locations.