GlobalBenefit Control

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The GlobalBenefit component is used to authorize Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions with the Global Payments system, using the Global Transport Direct API. This component is supported in the Retail and Restaurant environments, and allows for simple, direct, secure communication to the Global Transport gateway through a standard Internet connection. An EBT transaction is similar to a Debit transaction, using a PIN and Key Sequence Number (KSN), but is used for Food Stamp or Cash Benefit programs.

Syntax

GlobalBenefit

Remarks

An EBT Card (also known as Cash Benefit Card or Food Stamp Card) works similar to a bank debit card. EBT is a special application of electronic funds transfer (EFT), or debit card technology, which takes money directly from one account and transfers it to another (credit cards, by comparison, simply record a sale for payment later).

There are just a few steps to setting up the control and sending transactions. First, set the UserId and Password, making sure that EBT transactions are allowed for your login credentials. If you're submitting test transaction and are using a test account, set the Server to the certification URL ("https://certapia.globalpay.com").

To send a transaction under normal circumstances, Track2 data should be read from the EBT card and placed in the CardMagneticStripe property. The CardEntryDataSource property should be set to edsMagneticStripe, and the EncryptedPIN and KSN properties should be filled with the encrypted PIN and key sequence number returned from your PIN pad. If the card reader is unable to read the magnetic stripe, card info may be manually added in the CardNumber, CardExpMonth, and CardExpYear properties, (and set the CardEntryDataSource property to edsManuallyEntered), but only for Food Stamp Transactions. Cash Benefit transactions may not be manually keyed.

Now simply set the TransactionAmount and call the Sale method to charge the card. You may also Refund funds back to the card (Food Stamp BenefitType only), as well as send a BalanceInquiry. Voice authorizations for Food Stamp transactions may be sent using the VoucherSale method.

The status of any of the above transactions will be stored in the ResponseCode property, with human-readable text appearing in ResponseText. Like the GlobalCharge control, there are several other Response properties which will contain data that should be logged.

EBT regulations require that all customer receipts include the last 4 digits of the CardNumber and the ResponseTransactionId, as well as the available balance for the account accessed. Balances are returned in the ResponseFoodStampBalance and ResponseCashBenefitsBalance properties.

EBT card transactions are instant funds transfers. There is no block placed on the debit card, funds are immediately removed and sent to the merchant. Therefore, there is no ability to capture, void, or reverse EBT transactions. You must use the Refund method to return funds to a customer's card - but only for Food Stamp transactions. Cash Benefit Refund transactions are not allowed. Unlike the GlobalCharge control's Refund method, the CardMagneticStripe, EncryptedPIN, and KSN are required in addition to the PNRef parameter, which identifies the transaction you're issuing a refund for.