Located in:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
States that include TANF in the Combined State Plan must outline how the State will meet the requirements of section 402 of the Social Security Act including how it will:
(OMB Control Number: 0970-0145)
g. Implement policies and procedures as necessary to prevent access to assistance provided under the State program funded under this part through any electronic fund transaction in an automated teller machine or point-of-sale device located in a place described in section 408(a)(12), including a plan to ensure that recipients of the assistance have adequate access to their cash assistance (section 402(a)(1)(A)(vii) of the Social Security Act)
Current Narrative:
Mississippi delivers TANF benefits via the Mississippi Debit MasterCard Program ePayment/EPPICard. Mississippi also delivers other benefits via the EPPICard including child support, adoption subsidy and foster board payments.
TANF assistance may be accessed worldwide at any commercial point-of-sale (POS) machine using the recipient’s signature and PIN number. Cash may be accessed at any automated teller machine (ATM) that displays the MasterCard logo or teller-assisted withdrawals in a bank or credit union location that displays the MasterCard logo. Recipients may also receive cash back with a purchase at their favorite merchant locations that accept MasterCard. TANF recipients experiencing a problem accessing their TANF benefits can contact their local county office or call customer services toll free. The State will work one-on-one with TANF recipients reporting inadequate access to their cash benefit.
Pursuant to regulations described in Section 4004 of Public Law 112-96, Mississippi’s policies outline procedures to prevent access to TANF assistance through electronic fund transactions at casinos, liquor stores, and establishments providing adult-oriented entertainment. This section also explains how the state ensures that recipients have adequate access to their TANF assistance and can withdraw the TANF assistance with minimal fees or charges, including the opportunity to access the TANF assistance with no fee or charge and how information on fees are communicated to recipients.
Mississippi law follows the Federal Statues to prohibit the use or acceptance of an electronic benefit transfer card at the following locations:
- Liquor or package stores that sell intoxicating liquor, either exclusively or primarily;
- Gambling establishments that offer, as its primary services, casino, gambling or gaming activities; and
- All retail establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state for entertainment.
State law prohibits TANF benefits from being accessed from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Point-of-Sale (POS) device physically located in:
- Liquor Stores
- Gambling Establishments
- Strip Clubs
- Jewelry Stores
- Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlors
- Tobacco Paraphernalia Stores
- Spas
- Nail Salons
- Lingerie Shops
- Massage Parlors
- Vapor Cigarette Stores
- Psychic or Fortune Telling Businesses
- Bail Bond Companies
- Dog or Horse Racing Facilities
- Movie Theaters
- Cruise Ships
- Theme Parks
- Video Arcade
- Pari-mutuel Facilities
- Sexually Oriented Businesses
- Businesses or Retail Establishments where Minors under 18 are not Permitted
State law also prohibits TANF benefits from being used to purchase the following items:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Liquor or Imitation Liquor
- Sexually Oriented Adult Materials
- Bail
- Gambling Activities
- Lottery tickets
- Tattoos
- Tobacco Products
- Concert Tickets
- Travel Services Provided by a Travel Agent
- Professional or Collegiate Sporting
- Money Transmission to Locations Agent Abroad
- Tickets for Other Entertainment Events Intended for the General Public
In order for Mississippi to prevent prohibited transactions and purchases as defined above, agency staff will discuss with TANF applicants/recipients the proper use of their TANF benefits at initial application and redetermination. All county offices are required to display a poster with the TANF restrictions and penalties in a prominent location.
Methods for reporting fraud include the Fraud Tip Hotline toll free number 1-800-299- 6905 and the Fraud Tip Email fraud@mdhs.ms.gov. To expand the pathway of communication regarding programmatic fraud, fraud tips can now also be submitted to the Division of Investigations through the Fraud Tip PowerForm located on the MDHS website. This form can be accessed by clicking on the “Report Fraud” button located on the MDHS homepage, or by direct link at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/report-fraud/.
The assistance unit will be denied TANF benefits when the MS Debit MasterCard is used at prohibited locations or prohibited items are purchased as outlined below:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1st Violation | 3 Months |
| 2nd Violation | Permanent Disqualification |