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Ohio welfare recipients get debit-card option

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Welfare recipients in Ohio now have a debit-card option to get payments.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services said Monday that the 120,000 people getting Ohio Works First and other cash assistance can receive payments through the Ohio EPPICard, a MasterCard debit card. The debit option takes effect this week.

Recipients also can get payments through direct deposits and checks in checking and savings accounts. The check option will be phased out beginning in August.

Agency Director Douglas Lumpkin says electronic payments will save state and county agencies $750,000 a year and provide recipients with quicker, more secure payments.

On the Net: http://jfs.ohio.gov

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