Food Stamp Program: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems Interoperability and Portability

The purpose of this interim rule is to implement legislation requiring interoperability of Food Stamp Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems and portability of electronically-used benefits nationwide. The rule revises Food Stamp Program regulations to ensure that recipients can use their electronic food stamp benefits across state borders by requiring interoperable state electronic issuance systems. The regulations establish uniform national standards to achieve this requirement. One hundred percent Federal funding is available to pay for the operational cost of this functionality, up to a national annual limit of $500,000. Costs beyond this level will be covered at the standard fifty percent program reimbursement rate for State administrative costs.