Welcome to Quest®
The Quest® Operating Rules (Rules) set forth the requirements for the distribution of government benefits under the Quest service mark. Government entities may utilize these Rules by incorporating them in their contracts with private sector entities utilized to distribute benefits. There is no fee for use of the QUEST Mark. Of course, government entities may also choose to distribute benefits under other operating rules. The Quest Operating Rules do not address electronic distribution of government benefits under other service marks other than the QUEST Mark.
- NACHA encourages the addition of new benefit programs to the QUEST System.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.