New Debit Cards Being Issued to SNAP and OWF Recipients

SNAP (food stamp) benefits are issued through a debit card called the Ohio Direction Card, and OWF (cash assistance) benefits are issued through a debit card called the EPPICard. The State of Ohio is transitioning to new debit cards for all recipients.  Program participants received transition notices by mail in April about the upcoming change. SNAP recipients received this transition notice about the new Ohio Direction Card and OWF recipients received this transition notice about the card that will replace the EPPICard, which is called the Ohio Pathway Card. New Ohio Direction Cards will be mailed in July and August on a card mailer along with a brochure giving activation instructions.  New benefits will be accessed using the new card, but recipients can access benefits through their old card until it expires. New Ohio Pathway Cards (replacing EPPICard, for Ohio Works First, Disability Financial Assistance, Refugee Assistance, and Work Allowance payments) were mailed mid-June on a card mailer along with a brochure giving activation instructions Due to a delay in transitioning to the new card, OWF benefits will continue to post to the old EPPICards until recipients are notified at a later date. Recipients who discarded their EPPICard should call 866-320-8822 for a replacement. Contact information is available on the back of both cards for any questions, and online help is available at www.ucard.chase.com. Source:  Ohio Benefit Bank