Mistakes and plenty of questions about EBT cards
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Businesses and taxpayers have lots of questions about the so-called EBT cards now used for public assistance benefits. Eyewitness News discovered a local company made a mistake about what can be purchased with the card, and viewers have raised concerns of their own.
One viewer was upset, seeing a sign that says "EBT cards gladly accepted" at the Factory 2-U clothing store on Niles in east Bakersfield. She wanted answers.
"I asked the clerk if they accept them for clothing, as well, and she said, 'Yes," the viewer described.
She didn't want to be identified. The viewer said she worries the benefits should be used for food.
"Back in the day, it was food stamps," the viewer said. "And you had to go in with a coupon book."
These days both food assistance and cash assistance are loaded on to the Electronic Benefit Transfer card, usually known as an EBT card.
"The EBT card has two purposes, it has the cash aid and it also has the Cal Fresh benefits on the card," Pam Holiwell explained. She's the assistant director at the Kern County Human Services Department. She adds, that's something a viewer might not understand.
Another Eyewitness News viewer raised concerns last Friday about Easter baskets sold at local FoodMaxx stores, and displayed with a sign saying "food stamp eligible." It turns out, that was a mistake.
The baskets are advertised for $8.98, and include toys, candy and some Welch's Fruit Snack packages. The viewer questioned how that could really be food.
SaveMart Supermarkets is the parent company for FoodMaxx, and Eyewitness News asked for an explanation, and we got one emailed on Monday.
"After prompt review, we did find our FoodMaxx Easter baskets were mislabeled," their statement reads. "The stores have removed the signage." the message adds that the company follows Federal guidelines. "An item like a gift basket would be eligible if the value of the consumable food product exceeds 50 percent of the purchase price," it continues.
SaveMart says their Easter baskets in past years met that requirement. "We appreciated the opportunity to review this product and correct the error," the statement concludes.
Again, that's a question of what EBT food benefits can be used for. Then, there's the "cash aid" portion.
From Human Services, Holiwell says there are currently about 58,000 food benefit cases in Kern County, and that serves about 140,000 recipients.
On the "cash aid" side, Holiwell says they now have about 20,000 cases. She said the cash benefits can be used to pay rent, utilities, transportation and things like diapers and cleaning supplies. And, that includes clothes.
At the Factory 2-U store, manager Linda Onufyrk says they get a lot of purchases with EBT cards. "We just slide (the EBT) card through, but only if they have cash, we don't accept Food Stamps," she said. "If they don't have cash on the card, it'll decline it."
Factory 2-U sells men's, women's and children's clothes and more. "We have home décor items, things that you'd put in the bathroom, rugs, everything," she said. Onufryk said all those items can be bought with EBT cash aid.
The viewer who questioned their sign said she's satisfied with the explanation. "Clothing and shoes are necessities as well," she said. "So, I think it's good that people can buy clothing as well with the EBT card."
As for making the most of the food benefits, Holiwell said Kern County Human Services got a grant to help teach clients how to make good purchases. "We're educating our Cal Fresh recipients about good nutrition and how to make your budget -- your food dollars -- stretch," she said.
Holiwell adds the two programs using EBT cards affect a lot of people in Kern County.
Between both food aid, with 58,000 cases and cash aid, with 20,000 cases the program provides assistance to a total of 250,000 recipients. Holiwell says that's about 25 percent of Kern County's population.
They should go back to good ol' embarrassing paper food stamps! I bet half of the people on welfare would get off it really quick!! Oh wait then they can't use it at convenience stores and fast food places. SMH!!
Okay food and clothing I understand. Now can you please explain to me why they can but lotto tickets & beer with cash aide?? I used to work at a gas station and was shocked when I discovered they could purchase these things with this so called EBT card when I questioned my boss about it she said it was okay! How was that okay? I did however have the right to refuse service which I started doing. Also it wouldn't hurt if California started drug testing in order to get assistance too.
I see people with baskets full of food sometimes even two baskets full ...do they really eat that much? Why buy so much in one day? HMMMM
I used to make about 80,000/yr. Then I lost my job. Thank God for public assistance! By the grace of God we survived on the meager benefits the state gave us. Two years later, I found a job; just got a promotion too. The aid and food stamps are there for legitimate reasons. The problem is that our society, culture and our own government is fostering an attitude of dependency and entitlement. Also, as I read these posts, its obvious most of you have ever had to draw on public assistance. I pray you never do!
yes they do the guys that cheat on there girlfriends.and say dont say anythink.
I wish they would drug test and id people cause they share it I know I work in a liquor store and I see it everyday.
I think there should be restrictions placed on the cards. Like if they try to buy alcohol, cigarettes, etc., the card should get denied. Also, they should produce receipts of everything purchased on the cards.
I respect that you work hard for your kids and need help. Like I said I know every situation is different. You should know that I am not bad mouthing A cookie every once in awhile ( that's not the problem, it the people who buy nothing but that. Read the above comments and see cashier after cashier talking about the things that are bought with EBT cards!) I understand that it is embarrassing. What I wrote above is my opinion and I still believe it. Is it fair? No! But the people who abuse the system make it shameful and make a stigma for those who don't. And unfortunately there are alot more abusers than not. Is it fair that my family who is middle class and drive medocre cars and live in a decent house and save money and make sacrifices and live within our means are paying for the people who buy junk and get thier bills paid for and drive luxiourios cars and get primped and beautiful every week? No I don't think that is fair either. I am not saying everyone falls under this category and I am sorry if I have offended you but the system is poor and these are my beliefs.
And fast food places do not accept ebt cards except recentlypizza hut started taking the cash aid part of ebt cards and papa Murphys does but you have to cook those pizzas at home.
Some single mothers work hard and still need food stamps to get by and we should not be ashamed of that. I try my hardest to buy healthy foods and be aware of what my kids are eating but just because I get food stamps does that mean my kids don't deserve a cookie out some ice cream once in a while? It's not their fault I'm broke! But really I have known some mothers that get food stamps and steaks and lobster and junk food and then by the middle of the month their kids have nothing to eat. That's just wrong. Also gas stations and grocery stores accept food stamps for already prepared food (not hot food) because not everyone has a home to cook in or running utilities to be able to use a stove.
Some single mothers work hard and still need food stamps to get by and we should not be ashamed of that. I try my hardest to buy healthy foods and be aware of what my kids are eating but just because I get food stamps does that mean my kids don't deserve a cookie out some ice cream once in a while? It's not their fault I'm broke! But really I have known some mothers that get food stamps and steaks and lobster and junk food and then by the middle of the month their kids have nothing to eat. That's just wrong. Also gas stations and grocery stores accept food stamps for already prepared food (not hot food) because not everyone has a home to cook in or running utilities to be able to use a stove.
I also think that we should have some kind of farm/ranch that the people who need food go and work/volunteer/ earn their food... If we have to work for our food then so should the people who need assistance. .... Then maybe if they are eating healthier then medical costs would also go down... I do believe that people need help and I do have compassion but with that being said I would prefer people who are on the system to carry some shame. Maybe if it is embarrassing to use stamps instead of a card like others then they will try harder. It is a completely loaded topic and SOME truly need it and every situation is different. But the system makes it far to easy to take advantage of!
I also think that we should have some kind of farm/ranch that the people who need food go and work/volunteer/ earn their food... If we have to work for our food then so should the people who need assistance. .... Then maybe if they are eating healthier then medical costs would also go down... I do believe that people need help and I do have compassion but with that being said I would prefer people who are on the system to carry some shame. Maybe if it is embarrassing to use stamps instead of a card like others then they will try harder. It is a completely loaded topic and SOME truly need it and every situation is different. But the system makes it far to easy to take advantage of!
It is all about living within your means. If you are making 100000 a year and have luxurious things, and then lose your job, you need to not live beyond your means! Save some money when the times are good. Sell your Lexus and buy a Kia. Use the 40000 a little each month to help pay your bills and feed your kids! I don't think there is any excuse for it. In my family a few times when times were getting tuff we would have a yard sale or my husband sold his motorcycle! Sure he loves the bike but being able to pay the bills and providing for his family was more important. Priorities and living within your means!!!!
It is all about living within your means. If you are making 100000 a year and have luxurious things, and then lose your job, you need to not live beyond your means! Save some money when the times are good. Sell your Lexus and buy a Kia. Use the 40000 a little each month to help pay your bills and feed your kids! I don't think there is any excuse for it. In my family a few times when times were getting tuff we would have a yard sale or my husband sold his motorcycle! Sure he loves the bike but being able to pay the bills and providing for his family was more important. Priorities and living within your means!!!!
Fast food and liquor stores shouldn't be allowed to accept EBT cards. Make them buy real food and cook it. Not a heart attack in a sack!
The big difference here is those that collect SS have Paid into it!!
in order to apply n qualify..not really making dat much money..im sure those people have nice clothes or shoes because sumone buys them shoes..
social security sdi and medicaid are all necessary for those who can't work or afford healthcare they were paid for by our taxes but there needs to be limits to citizens with established social security numbers that have paid into the system, it is for them. I've heard about people from another country gritting social security. I'm not saying we shouldn't help those in need but we need to help our own citizens first. there is no reason a veteran should be homeless or without food
all races use the system, I'm talking about here in Bakersfield those numbers aren't so evenly distributed. go to the welfare office here and you'll see.
i know a Vietnam vet, denied foodstamps because he gets money for being a vet...but yet he doesn't get enough money to pay his home, bills, fonjod, gas, his mess etc. but i know 2 able bodied YOUNG Couple that both get $200 in food saying they're homeless when they live with his mom and pay no other bills plus she gays $300 back pay childsupport (which shouldvd went to her ex) and $800 in spousal support.
@Heather Williams I know people just like this too! But the person i know collects food stamps for kids she doesnt have cause the ex has them plus gets back child support for those same kids.... And the ex just puts up with it cause he is just happy he got his kids back.
LMFAO ALL THE FAT PPL TALKN BOUT EATING HEALTHY LOOK IN THE MIRROR FATTY
" I bought steak and have no regrets" lol u go girl!!!!!! hehehehehehehehe I am not mad at you. Next time u eat some steak invite me lol
lol everyone should eat nutritious food whether on welfare or not lol shame on me when I swipe my Bank of America card at the fast food joint for my kids because I just got home from work and I do not want to cook for my kids.......I had them so no matter how tired I am after work I should prepare them a good home cooked meal....right????? lol
Anyone selling foodstAmps??
One thing I'm seeing is people are saying Obama- hate to burst your bubble but the abuse to the welfare system has been around a lot longer than the president so try again. Like the previous presidents and the current one- nobody has done much of anything to put a stop to welfare abuse. My grandmother use to work for the county for a number of years and her biggest complaint is that this system needs an overhaul. Her last year of work was 1996.
yeah there is no way in the world EBT should be swiped at Fast Food joint but if it wasnt swiped there it would just be swiped at ATM then cash would be used. Honestly no one should sipe any card at a fast food joint! LOL it is bad for everyone!!!!!!!!
FY 2010, work participation was mandatory for three of every five adult recipients. Overall, 41.6 percent of all TANF adult recipients participated in some type of work activity during the reporting month. Eleven percent of TANF adult recipients met work activity requirements by either being a teen parent attending school or being a single parent with a child under 6 participating for 20 hours per week (parents with children ages 6 and over are required to participate for 30 hours per week). Additionally, ten percent of adult recipients were disregarded from work participation because they were single custodial parents with a child less than 12 months old. 1.6 percent were exempt because of a sanction, 12.6 percent were exempt because of a good cause exception (e.g., disabled, in poor health, or other), and two percent of adult recipients were exempt from the work participation requirements because they were single custodial parents with a child under age six who did not have access to child care. Among all TANF adult recipients twenty-nine percent worked in unsubsidized or subsidized jobs, 10.9 percent were engaged in job training or educational activities, 8.1 percent participated in job search activities, and another 4.1 percent were engaged in other statutorily listed work activities. Some TANF adults were involved in two or three work activities. Those participating did so for an average of 23.3 hours per week, and some adults participated even though they were work exempt
She hasn't been caught to date....now that's a story for the news!
The man at the check cashing store has turned in a lady that has 10 checks of assistance which I think is SSI ? under different names! I say hire temporary people or the ones we already pay to go into the field, ask questions and verify who is using or abusing the system. AUDIT IT. I'm sure someone would want that job!
The man at the check cashing store has turned in a lady that has 10 checks of assistance which I think is SSI ? under different names! I say hire temporary people or the ones we already pay to go into the field, ask questions and verify who is using or abusing the system. AUDIT IT. I'm sure someone would want that job!
I see alot of people who can work, but instead they are having babies every year, i dont think they even wait for the 40 days to be over and they are pregnant again! They have better shoes then me, i cant afford jordans but they sure can! Womp
I see alot of people who can work, but instead they are having babies every year, i dont think they even wait for the 40 days to be over and they are pregnant again! They have better shoes then me, i cant afford jordans but they sure can! Womp
I am a SSW111 for county I worked the Welfare to Work program and sanctioned famalies who refuse to abide by the regulations. The time limit is 48 months.
Not sure what the "minority" statement meant just wanted to share some data to inform you that economy has become difficult for all races!
Trend in TANF Families by Race/Ethnicity FY 2000 - FY 2010 2010 31.8% WHITE 31.9% BLACK 30.0% HISPANIC
My biggest question is, if your getting free money to eat, why buy junk food and not healthy food? All i see in those shopping carts are pizzas waffles sodas candy chips and so on! If i was getting free money i would atleast do something good in my life and eat healthy!
no the biggest welfare system in US is Social Security in form of Medicaid, SSI, SDI there is a recent article about it
As a County Employee, who works with this population, I assure you it is a necessity with many, many families.
the only thing i would say is....candy n soda is not food....
I want a EBT card too bad I don't qualify for one because WE ARE HARD WORKING PEOPLE.
I have been on a register as well and I see them being misused on a regular basis. I have no problem with items that are necessities, but when I think about money coming out of MY paycheck to buy you makeup or buy your kids birthday gifts, it really upsets me.
yes i have a question... why are they giving ebt to ppl who dont even need it but the ones who do are being denied? my biggest concern is that some of these ppl are selling there ebt for cash just the other day a women outside the grocery store offered to exchange me $100 of ebt for money. this is not right
So..does that mean I can walk into Subway and order a foot long sub? Because the owner of Subway in Lake Isabella has a EBT sign in his window..matter of fact..for all three of his businesses there which are all fast food restaurants...Hmmmmm No..I am not on food stamps nor have a ebt...but I cannot afford to eat out that much neither.
all to be cleverly directed by our lovely welfare workers. take the money out of the hands and maybe
well there are people in need, too bad the pigs have to spoil it for everyone. I propose with all the beurocrats or government monkeys earning wages with state pensions. I propose ebt hell. All funds to support and otherwise surrogate the poor,will be placed directly into the corporatjon that supplies the goods. Ie, gas,electric,rent,water,food.....food pick the place a card to swipe ur name and food amount. To .the store only
Well,all this is Crap anyway! I am yet to meet or see someone who really needs EBT. We keep payin, they keep abusing!!!!!.....but god forbid an honest person apply,cause they'll get shot down quick!
they def. are not buying rubbers!
I understand the whole EBT card thing. If you purchase food, it's taken from the Cal Fresh but if you purchase diapers, clothes and shoes, it's taken from the Cash Aid that person receives. However, when I see parents buying cartons of cigarettes and cases of beer, that's abusing the system! Not to mention when all they have in their cart is junk food and bottles of soda, then you look at their children's teeth and all you see are caps. Something tells me those classes to help teach parents to make better choices when shopping is just wasting more tax dollars.