Computer Issue Temporarily Interrupting EBT Transactions – UPDATE: Problem fixed

UPDATE: Xerox has resolved the computer failure, “Beneficiary access to programs such as SNAP, TANF, and other programs has been restored to the seventeen states where Xerox provides EBT service.”

MONTGOMERY – A computer issue with the vendor that operates the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system in alabama and several other states is preventing the use of EBT cards at this time. The vendor that handles EBT transactions for Alabama is in the process of restoring the system and expects to be operational within the next few hours.

The interruption of EBT services in Alabama is not connected with the government shutdown in Washington. A statement will be released once the system is operational.

A statement from the vendor, Xerox:

During a routine test of our back-up systems Saturday morning, Xerox’s Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system experienced a temporary shutdown. While the system is now up and running, beneficiaries in the 17 affected states continue to experience connectivity issues to access their benefits. This disruption impacts EBT beneficiaries who rely on the system for SNAP and WIC. Technical staff is addressing the issue and expect the system to be restored soon. Beneficiaries requiring access to their benefits can work with their local retailers who can activate an emergency voucher system where available. We appreciate our clients’ patience while we work through this outage as quickly as possible.