The CAO must encourage households to name an AR in case of illness or other reasons that keep them from using the EBT system. 7 CFR § 273.2(n)(2)
The AR chosen by the household to access benefits in the EBT system may be the same AR used to apply for benefits (or to meet reporting requirements) or may be another person designated anytime during the certification period.
The household may use the Authorized Representative Request form in Appendix A designate an AR. If the form is not used, the CAO must have the following required information about the AR:
First name, middle initial, and last name
Social Security number
Birth date
Street address
The CAO must issue a Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS card to the AR for each household the AR represents. The AR must choose a personal identification number (PIN), either at the CAO or by telephone. 7 CFR § 274.2(f)
NOTE: The CAO must create the primary card in the case payment name before creating a card for the AR.
If the head of household is not present to choose a PIN for the primary card, the AR must deliver this "unpinned" card to the household so that household members can use the card for Medical Assistance.
The head of household may select a PIN for the primary card by telephone or at the CAO at a later date.
The EBT card for an AR remains active until the household cancels it or a new card replaces it. The head of household may call the Xerox Customer service center at 1-888-326-7366 any time to cancel or disable the AR’s EBT card. The cancellation takes place immediately. If the household chooses a new AR, the old EBT card is automatically cancelled when the CAO requests a replacement EBT card for the new AR.
Reissued March 1, 2012, replacing May 15, 2008