x
Breaking News
More () »

Store managers say customers experiencing trouble with EBT cards

Customers and employees from area grocery stores have reported Illinois Link cards not working properly.
food stamps

Customers and employees from area grocery stores have reported that EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, or food stamps, were not working properly.

According to managers, on Saturday, October 12, 2013, customers were unable to make purchases using EBT cards at various stores in the Quad Cities.

A manager from the Davenport Hy-Vee on W. Kimberly Rd. said employees were told by their corporate offices that the whole state of Iowa and Illinois were affected. She said their store began experiencing troubles with the cards around 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Employees from Jewel in Moline said customers were able to make purchases at their store on Saturday morning, but were unable to view their balances.

According to reports, other states including Michigan, Ohio, and Mississippi had reported EBT cards malfunctioning statewide.

According to WOIO in Ohio, the deputy director at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Ben Johnson, said their EBT computer system was experiencing technical difficulties statewide. Johnson added that it’s “highly unlikely” that the issue is related to the government shutdown.

A report by WBZ in Boston, Massachusetts said that a possible glitch in a computer system upgrade was causing problems nationwide.

EBT is an electronic system through state welfare departments that allow residents to collect benefits through a payment card.

Before You Leave, Check This Out