Paperless programs administered by ACS, A Xerox Company, will drive efficiency, savings

DALLAS -- Alabama is saving money and improving service to its citizens by expanding the number of state programs that use debit cards for delivering payments and benefits.
 
ACS, A Xerox Company, has signed a five-year, $51 million contract to administer the state's existing card programs and provide a new system for distributing child support payments via a reloadable MasterCard debit card.  The card, accepted at thousands of retailers and ATMs, will deliver funds to people faster than paper checks.
 
ACS will also support the use of debit cards and electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for other state programs including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance  Program (previously known as the Food Stamp Program), and the Alabama Medicaid Agency's Non-Emergency Transportation Program.
 
"A paperless approach provides instant access to much-needed funds for our citizens while improving the efficiency of how we administer these programs," said Nancy Buckner, commissioner of Alabama Department of Human Services.  "This system is more secure, faster and convenient."
 
Card programs are proven to save money over paper checks, which can cost governments an average of $2 per check in printing and mailing costs. The card system also saves citizens time and money, eliminating the need to rely on check-cashing services.
 
"We offer government agencies solutions that improve services at a reduced cost," said Joseph Doherty, executive vice president and chief operating officer, ACS Government Solutions. "An innovative EBT solution and use of an electronic payment card program not only helps citizens but state agencies looking to stretch their budget dollars."