122-9          PROVIDING QUEST CARD NUMBERS

Federal regulations require that the Quest card must be present at the time of the transaction/purchase. Caseworkers should never provide card numbers to clients. Should an office receive such a request, refer the client to the EBTElectronic Benefit Transfer Helpdesk.

FNSFood and Nutrition Service can review all Quest card transactions and can easily identify clients and retailers that are transacting without swiping the card. FNSFood and Nutrition Service has the authority to de-authorize any retailer that is not following the policies and procedures. If a caseworker provides card numbers to clients, it could potentially jeopardize the retailer's authorization to accept Quest card transactions. This would be a severe penalty to the retailer and a detriment to the client and the community.