Delaware EBT Users Face Temporary Blackout this Weekend

Electronic Benefit Transaction or EBT users, in Delaware, won't be able use their cards early Sunday morning as the system will go completely offline.

 

The state says it has to make the move, but as 47 ABC's Erica Murphy found out today not all are happy about it. JP Morgan Chase is getting out of the E-B-T business, meaning Delaware will have to make the switch to Conduit this Sunday.

 

"This is just an electronic transition that's happening. There is going to be no change to their benefits. We're just switching the JP Morgan number they have on the back of their cards will call through the 13th and come the next morning they will be speaking to Conduit," says Kara Bristow of Delaware Social Services.

 

In order to bring the new vendor online, the shutdown will begin at midnight Saturday and last until 8:30 AM Sunday morning, meaning people won't be able to make purchases during that time.

 

Bristow says her office picked the time frame because card usage is low during that period.

 

However critics say  this might cause a hardship for some who may only be only be able to shop at that time.

 

"If people are really having a hard time as it is and you just try to change stuff while everything like the economy is bad when things are going on and things are being taken away they to do better  and keep things more positive," says Minister Margaret Guy, a Community Activist.

 

Bristow says her agency is working diligently to make sure everyone who could be impacted is notified. So far, notices have been placed in offices and on the agency's website.

 

However, one EBT customer says she was unaware of the temporary blackout.

 

"Its not gonna affect me, but I hope the people who want to be out shopping that time of night knows about it because that would be a waste of time. How would people know?"