The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) was given a Recognition Award at the American Public Human Services Association's IT Solutions Management Conference in the area of "Collaboration Across Boundaries" for its debit MasterCard card program, which is used by more than 400,000 Oklahoma families to receive government benefits. As an operational partner with OKDHS, ACS helped implement and currently administers the program.

The award was given for teamwork by OKDHS and its partners that made it possible for Oklahomans to access multiple benefits on a single debit card including child support payments, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and State Supplemental Payments.

"Oklahoma's debit MasterCard card is an example of a distinctive program that can be developed when you are user-focused with a toolbox of innovative systems and technology," said Joe Doherty, executive vice president and group president of ACS' Government Solutions Group. "The state is well-deserving of this award."

Oklahoma's system is also groundbreaking for being the first in the nation to return benefits to the state if a cardholder does not select their PIN number in 90 days or if the card is returned to the Post Office as undeliverable.

"For the people of Oklahoma who rely on state benefits, our partnership with ACS has increased options and flexibility, as well as saved money for the state," said Lisa Henley, director of electronic payment systems, OKDHS. "We look forward to continuing our work together as a team to find new ways to help our citizens."