New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that millions of New Yorkers receiving food assistance benefits will gain access to new chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Starting in early 2027, this measure aims to reduce benefit theft and fraud. New York will join a few other states adopting this secure technology, designed to prevent criminals from using card-skimming techniques to steal benefits.
New EBT Card Features
The enhanced cards will affect recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federal initiative supporting low-income households in purchasing groceries. These new cards will employ chip technology, similar to what is used in credit and debit cards, thereby providing greater security than current magnetic-stripe cards.
Despite the upcoming security improvements, recipients will continue using their magnetic-stripe cards until the rollout begins in 2027. State officials emphasize the necessity of a lead time to produce approximately 2 million cards and update payment terminals across the state to accept chip-enabled EBT transactions.
Transition to Secure Cards
Anti-hunger advocates such as Hunger Solutions New York support the technology upgrade. However, they highlight the ongoing vulnerability of families until the new cards become available in 2027. They stress the importance of providing recipients with account-monitoring tools and customer support as a priority.
EBT cards have functioned like bank debit cards, enabling SNAP recipients to access benefits monthly. Previously reliant on magnetic-stripe technology, which is susceptible to skimming, the new cards will have embedded microchips offering more secure transaction data.
Fidelity Information Services (FIS) has been appointed to supply these cards. New York plans the initial distribution for the first quarter of 2027, requiring no action from current cardholders.
Protecting Benefits Until New Cards Arrive
Until the chip-enabled cards are issued, current cards remain vulnerable. New York officials advise cardholders to:
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile app or website for account balance checks and transaction reviews.
- Lock or freeze the card when not in use, if possible.
- Frequently change the PIN, especially after transactions.
- Conceal the keypad when entering the PIN.
- Inspect card readers for tampering signs.
- Report unauthorized transactions immediately.
- Never disclose the PIN, even to individuals claiming government affiliation.
Motivation for Change in EBT Technology
The approach responds to growing theft concerns, as criminals increasingly use skimming devices. Once a card’s information is compromised, recipients might lose significant assistance before realizing the breach. The urgency heightened following the federal government’s cessation of funding for stolen SNAP benefit replacement at the end of 2024. Given this context, New York officials consider improved card security crucial to safeguarding households.
Governor Hochul emphasized that modernizing the EBT system is vital to protect vulnerable residents from criminal exploitation. Her office noted that a few states have already implemented chip-enabled cards, with others, including New York, in transition. The state’s rollout provides a potential model for other states under pressure to abandon magnetic-stripe technology. SNAP recipients will use current cards until notified about new card distribution in 2027, with vigilance over accounts remaining essential in the interim.