Welcome to the Maine EBT website!

EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. The Maine EBT Card is like a bank debit card that holds the Food Supplement benefits that are assigned to you each month. Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Maine EBT Card. You use the same card every month; you do not need to get a new one

The Maine EBT card is a safe and easy way to get and use your food benefits. It’s safe - you can’t use your card without a PIN. And it’s easy - you can use it anywhere you see the Quest® logo, and every time you use your card, you get a receipt showing the amount of benefits left in your account.

You can use your card at the grocery store to spend your food supplement benefits. Before you begin your shopping, make sure that the store accepts the Maine EBT Card and you know your 4 digit PIN.

Misuse of the EBT card is unlawful. Use of this card for anyone outside the household of the person named on the card is prohibited and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

You should know your balance before shopping. There are three ways to check your balance…

• Check your last grocery store receipt.
• Use this Website - you can set-up a User ID and Password to check your account balance and also view transaction history.
• You can call the Maine EBT Helpdesk. Your balance is provided as soon as you enter your card number.

If your card is lost or stolen, call the Maine EBT Helpdesk immediately to prevent anyone from using your benefits.

Excessive Card Replacement

Card cannot be replaced. Replacement Count has exceeded the permitted 2 card limit. Please contact your local county office for additional details.

Where to use your Card

You can use your card to get your benefits where you see this sign.

Your PIN

• PIN stands for Personal Identification Number
• Your PIN is your electronic signature.
• It contains four (4) numbers.
• Your EBT Card will not work without your PIN.
• If you try your PIN incorrectly 3 times, your account will be locked until the next day.
• Keep your PIN secret.
• Never write your PIN on your card..
• Never let anyone see you enter your PIN at a machine, even a store cashier.
• Never give your PIN to anyone. If a person has your card and knows your PIN, they can use ALL of your benefits.
• You can change your PIN at any time, by calling 1-800-477-7428 or going to your local office.
• If someone else uses your card and PIN, your BENEFITS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

Your EBT Card

• Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.
• Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.
• Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, VCRs, or even the magnetic clasp on a purse.
• If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call 1-800-477-7428. This is a free call.

How to Use Your Card at the Store

• Before you shop, check your last receipt to find out how much money is in your account, or call 1-800-477-7428 for your balance. This is a free call.
• Look for the Quest sign on the door or window of the store.
• At check-out, your card is swiped through the machine by you or the store cashier.
• Enter your PIN on the number pad, then press Enter. (Only You should enter your PIN.)
• Tell the cashier how much money to enter or enter the amount yourself.
• Always check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the EBT receipt is the same as the grocery.

Food Supplement Purchase

• All food supplement transactions are free.
• Use your food supplement benefit account to purchase food. You cannot get cash back from your food supplement account.
• Remember, you can only buy allowable food items with your food benefits.
• If the store does not have an EBT machine, or if the machine is not working, they may use a paper voucher. Do not write your PIN on the voucher.

Cash Purchase

A recipient may not use the EBT card "TANF cash benefit" in retail establishment where:

• 50% or more of the gross revenue of the establishment is derived from the sale of liquor (i.e., liquors or beverage marts).
• A gambling facility (i.e., casinos and bingo facilities), except that the use of the EBT card is permitted in any portion of the premises of a gambling facility that is set aside separately for the sale of the primarily of staple foods; or
• A retail establishment that provides for adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state or entertainment (strip clubs)

TANF cash benefits are to be used for the purchase of items to help parents and their children with the basic needs of everyday living and using the benefits for any other purpose is against the program's intent. Benefits used to meet the program's intent include food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household goods, personal care items, and general incidental expenses. Purchases such as lottery tickets and tobacco products do not meet the intent of the program.

Cash Withdrawal

• Some stores will allow you to receive cash back above the cost of your purchase.
• Some stores will allow cash withdrawal without a purchase.
• You must follow the stores policy regarding the allowable amount.

How to Use Your Benefit Card at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• Choose an ATM in a place where you feel safe.
• Always follow directions on the ATM.
• Put your card in the machine.
• Never let anyone see you enter your PIN.
• Press Withdrawal.
• Press Checking.
• Enter the dollar amount you want.
• Take your cash, card, and receipt from the machine.
• Keep the receipt so you will know how much you have left in your account.
• Check the receipt to make sure it is the same as the amount you got.

When to call Customer Service

Customer Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have about how to get your benefits. The customer service number is first answered by a computer. You will be asked to enter your card number.

Call to find out:

• Your food supplement account or cash account balance.
• Your last 10 transactions.

Call if:

• You have questions or problems using your EBT card or PIN. Put your card in the machine.
• You want to change your PIN.
• Your Card is lost or stolen.
• You feel there is a mistake with your transaction.

Its the Law!

• Misuse or abuse of your card will result in investigation by State and/or Federal authorities.
• Documented violations will result in sanctions including:
• Disqualification from program
• Recovery through recoupment/restitution
• And/or referral for criminal prosecution

What do I need to know about my EBT card? How can I know my available balance?

You will need to select a 4-digit Personal Identification Number, or PIN before using your EBT card.

To select your PIN for a new card, Call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428. You will need:

• The 16 digit card number
• The primary cardholder's Date of Birth
• The SSN of the primary cardholder

Once you establish the PIN for your card, you can change it at any time by calling EBT Customer Service at the number noted above, or through this website. To change your PIN using this website, log in and select the PIN option in the top right portion of the screen header.

Do not write your PIN on your card.

Do not keep your PIN with your card.

Never share your PIN with anyone.

If you enter your PIN incorrectly four times in a row at a store or an ATM, your account will be locked until midnight even if you select a new PIN.

Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.

Sign the back of your card.

Do not put your card near magnets.

Any benefit that is not used within 365 days will be removed from your account, and you are no longer eligible for them.

Know your balance before you shop.

You can check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number listed on the back of your EBT card.

You can check your balance by logging into the client website www.ConnectEBT.com

You can know your balance by saving your EBT receipts. After you make a purchase, you will receive a receipt that will indicate your available balance.

You can ask a cashier to do a balance inquiry before your transaction.

What do I do if my EBT card is lost, stolen or damaged? How can I get a new EBT card?

As soon as you know that your EBT card is lost or stolen, you need to cancel it immediately to prevent anyone from accessing your benefits.

You can do this by either logging into the client website www.ConnectEBT.com or by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-477-7428. Follow the instructions/prompts for reporting a lost, stolen or damaged EBT card.

If you believe that benefits were used without your permission, you need to file a police report and follow up with them.

The State does not replace stolen benefits.

If you request 4 or more EBT cards in a year, you may get a letter from the State advising you that they will be watching your EBT transactions closely. If the number of cards you order continues to increase, the State will investigate to make sure there is no misuse or fraud. You may be contacted by a fraud investigator.

How do I use my EBT card at the store?

Know your balance before you shop.

SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase food. You cannot get cash back from your SNAP account.

SNAP transactions are free. There are no minimum purchase requirements, and no limit to the number of times you can use your card for SNAP transactions.

Look for the QUEST logo on the door or window of the store, or ask a clerk if they accept the EBT card before shopping.

At check-out, your EBT card is swiped through the machine by you or the cashier. If you receive both SNAP and Cash benefits on your EBT card, be sure to select the correct payment type when your card is swiped. The State cannot correct this after the transaction is complete and you have left the store.

Follow the directions on the machine to enter your PIN. ONLY YOU SHOULD ENTER YOUR PIN.

Tell the cashier how much money to enter, or enter it yourself.

Always check your receipt to make sure the amount of the EBT purchase is correct.

How and where can I access my Cash benefits?

Except as noted below, there are no restrictions on where you can use your cash benefits.

You can make a purchase anywhere EBT cards are accepted.

Some stores will allow you to receive cash back with a purchase, and some stores may allow you to withdraw cash without a purchase. You must follow the store's policy regarding cash back or cash withdrawals.

You can use your cash benefits at any ATM that displays the QUEST logo.

Choose an ATM in a place where you feel safe. Follow the directions on the ATM. Put your card into the ATM or swipe the card. Enter your PIN when requested, then "withdraw" from "checking" account. Select the dollar amount you want. Take your cash, card and receipt.

Please note - some ATM owners will charge you a "surcharge fee" (usually ranging from $1.00 - $2.50) just for using their ATM. A message should appear asking if you agree to pay this fee. Most major banks and credit unions do not charge EBT cardholders a surcharge fee. You will keep more money in your pocket if you look for an ATM that does not charge a surcharge.

In addition to any potential surcharges, there will also be an ATM withdrawal fee of $1.00 for the 3rd through the 12th withdrawal in a given month

You are not allowed to use your EBT card for purchases or ATM transactions at liquor stores, casinos and off-track betting facilities, or establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment. Transactions at these locations can lead to monetary sanctions and a loss of benefits.

How do I use my card at the ATM?

• Insert your card into the ATM.
• Enter your PIN.
• Press the button for WITHDRAWAL.
• Press the button for CHECKING.
• Enter the dollar amount.
• If the ATM screen tells you that a surcharge will be charged and you do not want to pay it, cancel the transaction by pressing the CANCEL button and try another ATM.
• Press the button for CORRECT to go on if the amount is right, or CANCEL to stop if the amount is wrong.

What are EBT transaction errors?

Occasionally an EBT system error occurs during a cash or SNAP transaction resulting in a mistake being made in your account balance. Some examples are:

• If you make a SNAP purchase, and the SNAP account was incorrectly charged twice for the same purchase; or
• If an ATM only gave you $20 when you requested $40, but your account was still charged the $40.

You must file a claim for an account adjustment by contacting EBT Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428 and select the option to review your last ten transactions and then the option to dispute a transaction. You have 90 days from the date of the transaction to file your claim.

• SNAP transaction claims are usually resolved within 15 days.
• Cash transaction claims may take up to 30 days to resolve.

A system error can also happen where your SNAP purchase is not deducted from your SNAP account at the time of your purchase. The retailer can submit a claim to have the money taken out of your account and paid to them. You will be notified in writing if this happens.

It's the law!

Buying, selling or otherwise misusing SNAP benefits is a federal crime.

To report abuse, visit www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm or call 1-800-424-9121.

Misuse or abuse of your card will result in an investigation by State and/or Federal authorities.

Documented violations will result in sanctions including

• Disqualification from the program,
• Repayment through recoupment and/or restitution, and/or
• Criminal prosecution.

Unlike SNAP benefits, there are no restrictions on the Items that may be purchased from cash benefits; however, Maine law IC 35A-3-302 2013 HB 209 Chapter 112 restricts cardholders from accessing TANF benefits at the following locations:

• Liquor stores
• Casinos/gaming establishments
• Adult entertainment facilities

A person who withdraws TANF benefits at these locations may be subject to being temporarily or permanently disqualified from assistance.

Lost or Stolen Cards or PINs and Problems with Transactions

You can report a lost, stolen or damaged card using this website. To do so, log in and select the REPORT LOST/STOLEN/DAMAGED CARD option in the top right portion of the screen header. You can also report a lost, stolen or damaged card by calling Customer Service at the number noted below.

If you believe your PIN has been stolen, or if you have problems with your EBT transactions, immediately contact Customer Service at:

1-800-477-7428

When you receive your replacement card, your current PIN is transferred to your replacement card, so you need not change your current PIN. However, if you do want to change the PIN, select the option to change your PIN after you receive your new card.

Other Links

FNS website - http://www.fns.usda.gov/

Maine EBT ISSUANCE SCHEDULE

Last Digit of SSN	You will receive your Food benefits on the
0	4th calendar day of the month
1	4th calendar day of the month
2	5th calendar day of the month
3	5th calendar day of the month
4	8th calendar day of the month
5	9th calendar day of the month
6	10th calendar day of the month
7	11th calendar day of the month
8	12th calendar day of the month
9	13th calendar day of the month

Most Cash benefits will be available at midnight on the 1st of the month, regardless if it is a weekend or a holiday

Program Materials

• AR SNAP (Food Stamps) Assistance Program Information
• AR Cash Assistance Program Information

ACS ONLINE PRIVACY STATEMENT

General

ACS is committed to the privacy and security of personal information you provide to us through the use of ACS Web Sites. This Online Privacy Statement ("Statement") informs you of the information practices for ACS Web Sites, including the type of personal information we collect from your use of ACS Web Sites, how the information is used, and with whom the information is shared.

By using our Site, you agree that your use is subject to the terms of this Statement and you consent to the collection, use and storage of your information by ACS in accordance with this Statement and as may be more specifically explained on each Site. ACS may change this Statement at any time and will display the changes here on this Site. Because your use of this Site after changes have been posted indicates your agreement with those changes, we encourage you to visit this Statement on a regular basis. If you are not comfortable with using this Site in accordance with this Statement, please exit the Site immediately.

You may have accessed this Site as a result of a link from another ACS Site. This Statement applies to all ACS Sites linked to this Site except where more specific information is provided on the linked Site with respect to the collection, use and storage of personal information.

This Statement is effective June 2, 2004.

Collection and Use of Information

You may visit this Site and certain other ACS Sites without registering or disclosing personally identifiable information, although some areas of this Site or other Sites may require a password. ACS may ask you to provide personal information, such as when you are asked to complete an online form or a request with regard to a product or service from ACS. This information may include name, physical address, phone number, email address and other personal information that you choose to provide. ACS uses this information for purposes of communications with you, to respond to requests you may have, and for marketing purposes. If you wish to update information you provided through this Site in connection with regular mailings or you wish to have your name removed from a mailing list, you may do so by sending an email or by submitting an updated form through the same communication channel you initially submitted the information.

Certain ACS Sites allow for the electronic submission of resumes if you are interested in employment opportunities with ACS. Resumes received by ACS are used only for employment purposes or such other purpose you may request. If you wish to delete or update employment-related information you submitted through this Site, you may do so by using the profile management function that is available or contact ACS Human Resources.

When you visit this Site, we may automatically collect certain information relating to you, such as your Internet address, Internet service provider, type of operating system, the time and date you accessed the Site, and the Internet address from which you arrived at our Site. Also, when you visit our Site we may collect information through the use of a "cookie". A cookie is a small file that a web site can send to your browser and then is stored on your computer. This type of technology is designed to tell us when you reenter our Site, where you visit within our Site, and the type of browser you use. You are not required to accept any cookie we might use, although some areas of a Site may not be operational without the use of cookies. You can disable cookies on your computer by changing the settings in your browser. The information collected helps us identify data relating to usage and trends, address any problems with Site administration, and to further improve this Site.

Sharing of Information with Third Parties

ACS will not sell or give your personal information to third parties for their use for purposes unrelated to ACS without your permission.

ACS may share personal information about you with our subsidiaries and affiliated companies. We also may share personal information with our suppliers, contractors and agents who perform functions on our behalf, or in connection with products and services offered by ACS or a request made by you. ACS may disclose your personal information as we consider necessary to comply with the law or governmental authorities, in connection with litigation, dispute resolution, or administration of this Statement or a possible violation of this Site's Terms of Use or the rights of ACS or a third party. In addition, ACS may disclose or receive personal information in connection with a possible sale, purchase, merger or other reorganization of a business.

Retention

ACS will retain personal information collected by a Site for as long as it is needed to fulfill the purpose for which the information was provided, to maintain a record of communications with you, or as required by applicable law.

Security

To protect the personal information we receive ACS uses certain security measures designed to guard against the loss, misuse and alteration of that information. It should be recognized, however, that we cannot guarantee that transmission of data over the Internet will be absolutely secure. Due to the open nature of the Internet the information you provide may be in environments that do not have adequate security measures and may be accessed and used by persons other than those intended. As a result, while protection of your personal information is important to us, ACS is not able to ensure the security of information you transmit to us and you assume the risk of any third party obtaining that information. Upon receipt of your information ACS will strive to ensure its security on our systems.

Links to Other Web Sites

This Site may contain links to other web sites, not maintained by ACS. If you choose to access those sites, please review the privacy Statement applicable to each site. The links to other sites are made available as a convenience to you and ACS is not responsible for the privacy policies and information collection practices of those sites.

ACS Client Web Sites

In the course of providing services to its clients, ACS may operate web sites for certain clients that involve the collection, use and retention of personal information. For example, if you are a health plan member, health plan provider, a patient or other individual who does business with an ACS client, ACS may collect, use and maintain personal information in order to provide you with services on behalf of the client. Those activities are conducted by ACS under a contract between ACS and the client. This Statement is not intended to modify the terms of the contract between ACS and the client. If you have questions about the handling of your personal information that are not addressed on the specific web site through which ACS conducts those activities on behalf of the client, please use the contact information listed on that site or communicate with the ACS client.

Global Presence

ACS has employees, customers and suppliers in many countries around the world. The management, operational and technical processes and systems used by ACS may involve transfer of information across borders. For example, personal information you give to ACS may be sent to systems outside the country in which you initially provided the information, and it may be processed and stored in a different country. Regardless of where you provide your personal information, ACS will take steps to handle it in a secure manner in accordance with this Statement and all applicable laws.

Children

ACS does not market its products or services to children under thirteen years of age. We do not intend to collect personal information from children and request that children do not submit personal information to us.

Scope of Statement

This Statement describes the online privacy practices for ACS Web Sites maintained by Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("ACS"). It does not modify any agreements ACS may have with our customers, suppliers or other third parties.

Contact Information

Please direct any questions you might have about this Statement to the ACS Privacy Office.