Jun. 20, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette/Westmoreland) recently introduced legislation to require the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement fraud detection measures on the use of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
EBT cards, also known as ACCESS cards, allow users to avail themselves of an array of public assistance benefits, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, special allowances and general assistance. The cards are used at ATMs, to make cash purchases and to receive cashback through point-of-sale terminals at participating retailers.
“Two different auditor generals have found concerns with EBT card usage,” Warner said. “Despite these alarm bells, the process the department employs to evaluate out-of-state fraudulent usage has not been revised since 2012. More than $14 million in benefits was spent in Florida from 2013-2015. Another $6 million in benefits was used in North Carolina. It is expected the cards would be accessed in states bordering Pennsylvania. However, the large amount of use in Florida and North Carolina should be evaluated.”
House Bill 1577 would require the DHS to create an Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards Management Program. The program would develop electronic controls, oversight mechanisms and follow-up procedures to detect and track fraudulent uses of EBT cards.
The 52nd Legislative District includes the city of Connellsville; Dawson, Dunbar, Everson, Perryopolis, Seven Springs, South Connellsville and Vanderbilt boroughs; Bullskin, Connellsville, Dunbar, Lower Tyrone, Menallen, North Union, Perry, Saltlick and Upper Tyrone townships in Fayette County, along with Scottdale Borough, and part of East Huntingdon Township in Westmoreland County.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
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