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Fla. Welfare Recipients Getting Electronic Updates

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) -- The State of Florida has just made it easier for welfare recipients to get email, text messaging and voice mail updates on their benefits.

The state Department of Children and Families launched the new program this week. The Electronic Benefit Transfer alert system for food stamp and temporary cash assistance is part of efforts to improve the handling of a growing number of clients.

The alerts are set up through the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Recipients may call EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 to register to receive an alert via voice or text message, or they may register at the EBT Account website at www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com to receive an alert via e-mail, voice or text message.

Increased utilization of online services has reduced the number of calls coming into the department's call centers by more than half in the past four months.

Florida currently has about 3 million food assistance recipients and 82,000 who receive cash assistance. Also, almost 3 million Floridians receive Medicaid benefits.

In 2011, Florida was awarded a bonus of more than $6 million from the United States Department of Agriculture for having the lowest error rate nationwide for food assistance payments. This was the third year in a row Florida led the nation in accuracy.

"As we are helping millions of Floridians achieve independence and self-sufficiency, we need to efficiently process these benefits," said Secretary David Wilkins. "These improvements will more effectively help our friends and neighbors."

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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