Government entities may utilize these Rules by incorporating them in their contracts with private sector entities utilized to distribute benefits.

1. Nacha encourages the addition of new benefit programs to the QUEST System.
2. Any unrestricted cash benefits, i.e., benefits that can be fully redeemed for currency without regard to state borders, can be added to the Cash Account without limitation.
3. Nacha will work with interested parties to develop additional standards for programs that have characteristics that distinguish them from Cash and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program but are nonetheless susceptible to universal standards and interoperable distribution without regard to state borders. Such programs would be identified by additional icons, which would be associated with the QUEST Mark at the retail level.
4. Even if benefit programs cannot be made interoperable at this time but still have common elements nationwide, standardization of programs can benefit all participants in EBT. Nacha will work with interested parties to attempt to standardize policies, procedures and standards for such programs nationwide outside of the QUEST System.

EBT Cardholder Resources

Cardholders are advised to contact their state agency regarding any benefit questions. The number is commonly found on the back of the EBT card. A listing of state hotline numbers and websites may also be found at http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/snap/state-lines.pdf.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Retailer Questions

If you are a SNAP retailer or are interested in becoming a SNAP retailer and have questions, please contact the SNAP Retailer Service Center at 1-877-823-4369.

Quest Agreements Processes

• Quest Agreements Process Flow
• Quest Agreements Process Flow Explanation

Amendments and variances to the Quest® Operating Rules will be posted to this section, along with the status of each. Currently, there no amendments or variances are being considered at this time. Please continue to check back on a regular basis for updates.

Quest Operating Rules Amendments. The Quest Operating Rules may be amended from time to time by a vote of the Board of Directors of Nacha in accordance with the Nacha by-laws. Nacha shall distribute notice of any proposed amendment of the Rules to the Registered State Representatives. If at the time of such notice there are at least 20 Registered State Representatives and sixty percent (60%) or more of such Registered State Representatives object to the adoption of such amendment in a writing delivered to the designated Nacha contact within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, the proposed amendment shall not become effective.

Quest Operating Rules Variances. Any Participant may seek a variance from compliance with one or more provisions of the Rules by written application to Nacha. A variance should be requested only when special circumstances warrant exemption of the specific Participant that would not otherwise be applicable to other Participants. A variance of the Rules may be granted only by a vote of the Board of Directors of Nacha in accordance with the Nacha by-laws. Nacha shall distribute notice of any proposed variance from the Rules to the Registered State Representatives. If at the time of such notice there are at least 20 Registered State Representatives and sixty percent (60%) or more of such Registered State Representatives object to the adoption of such variance in a writing delivered to the designated Nacha contact within thirty (30) days of the date of such notice, the proposed variance shall not become effective.  

A definitive source of guidelines for the use and display of the QUEST mark. Includes permissible colors, sizes, proportions and camera-ready artwork for display of the mark at the point of sale.

The Quest® Operating Rules form the foundation for nationwide EBT. Adopted by Nacha’s Electronic Benefits and Services Council (formerly the EBT Council) in April 1996, they are a landmark achievement of a public/private partnership that is committed to developing and maintaining uniform EBT operating rules.

By downloading the document, you agree not to alter/modify the content in any way.