Q. What is the number for customer service?
The toll free number for clients is 1-866-386-3071.
Q. Is there a website where clients can check their accounts?
The website they can access is www.ebt.acs-inc.com.
Q. A vendor is interested in being able to accept the direction card at their store. Who should they contact?
The first step is to be certified by the Food and Nutrition Services. They can call this toll free number to get more information and request an application: 1-877-823-4369.
If they have internet access, they may find most of the answers to their questions, as well as an online application at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/retailers/default.htm.
Q. After a county authorizes a food stamp case, will benefits be available the same day? When will supplements and auxiliary benefits be available?
If a client already has a New Ohio Direction Card, FS benefits, including auxiliary and supplements, will be routed through batch processing. There will be five batch processing times during the business day. Benefits will be credited to the clients account no more than 1/2 hour after batch. The client should contact customer service to verify benefits are available in their account before going shopping.
Q. How long will it take to get a new card or a replacement card?
A new/replacement card will be sent by mail in 3 to 5 business days if the client is new to the system. Individuals who have lost or stolen cards will need to contact customer service to obtain a replacement card.
Q. A client is eligible for expedited food stamps. How long will it take to access their benefits?
If a client is eligible for expedite benefits and the client is not known to the system, and the case is approved prior to the noon processing batch, the vendor will request a card be created. The card will be sent THAT day by an expedited express delivery system to the client's home.
If the client is known to the system and has a card already, they will have access to their benefits that day.
If the expedite is processed after the noon batch, the vendor will send the card as soon as possible. In most cases the client will get them the next day.
Q. What if a client is eligible for expedited food stamps, but they lost their card?
If a client loses a card, they will need to contact customer service at 1-866-386-3071 for a replacement. So if a client is approved expedite and has a card previously, the benefits will be available on that card. However, if the client LOST the card, a new card WILL NOT automatically be mailed to them. The client will have to call customer service to request a new card, and the expedited benefits will be available immediately upon receipt of the new card. They have to wait 3-5 business days to receive the card from the vendor.