It's Just Not Fair

My wife and I both have relatives in Massachusetts and visited some of them today. We stopped for gas on the way home and this sign was posted in the gas station/ convenience store: Due to a change in policy, we can no longer accept welfare debit cards for the purchase of alcohol,tobacco or lottery tickets.

It looks like life on the dole isn't what it used to be.

What? I can't believe they took welfare debit cards ever for those purchases. It's a shame that you have to work for the finer things in life.

Quote: benbakdoff

My wife and I both have relatives in Massachusetts and visited some of them today. We stopped for gas on the way home and this sign was posted in the gas station/ convenience store: Due to a change in policy, we can no longer accept welfare debit cards for the purchase of alcohol,tobacco or lottery tickets.

It looks like life on the dole isn't what it used to be.

I think it's often the case that legislators and bureaucrats fail to understand the true workings of the systems they create and operate.

Here in MN, they mostly succeeded in limiting the types of things that could be purchased with welfare cards. Essential food and clothing items are not taxed, so there are very few required exceptions (soda, candy) to the simple logic "if taxed, welfare not accepted."

Of course, then they discovered that the cashable portion of the benefits were accessible at the ATMs at casinos statewide...

If you receive food assistance, you will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card. This card is also called a "Quest Card". You use this card like a debit card to purchase food items at stores. You will be given a detailed booklet describing how to use your card when you are approved for benefits.

You can access your EBT card information online.

For more information, read: How to Use Your EBT QUEST Card PDF file

This pamphlet is available in other languages. Publication number 22-310, "How To Use Your Quest Card."

If you are receiving cash assistance, you will have the option of having your benefits issued to your EBT card or having your benefits deposited by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into your checking or savings account. Your case worker can give you more information on how you can set up direct deposit for your benefits.

My daughter here in Colorado said her girlfriend explained she used the cash part of her debit card to purchase diapers, which are not covered by her food stamps. But what can she do if the baby is an alcoholic ?

I read the other day that 46 million americans are now on food stamps. That is a crying shame, and I am thankful that we haven't needed them yet.

Quote: benbakdoff

Due to a change in policy, we can no longer accept welfare debit cards for the purchase of alcohol,tobacco or lottery tickets.

It looks like life on the dole isn't what it used to be.

You think that's bad, the local heroin dealer in my apartment complex just announced he no longer takes US dollars, only euros from now on.

Quote: buzzpaff

My daughter here in Colorado said her girlfriend explained she used the cash part of her debit card to purchase diapers, which are not covered by her food stamps. But what can she do if the baby is an alcoholic ?

Buy cooking wine, the only alcoholic beverage covered by EBT (and, as such, my local winos' beverage of choice, if the yellow press is to be believed).

Quote: zippyboy

You think that's bad, the local heroin dealer in my apartment complex just announced he no longer takes US dollars, only euros from now on.

When he wants paid in Yuan head for the hills.