New York plans to begin issuing chip-enabled electronic benefit transfer cards in early 2027 to protect about 2 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients from benefit theft.
The new cards will replace magnetic-stripe-only cards and will also be used for Public Assistance benefits, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office.
The state selected Fidelity Information Services to provide the cards and expects distribution to begin during the first quarter of 2027. Current recipients will receive instructions before the transition.
Retailers and financial institutions are being asked to update their payment systems by the end of 2026 so chip transactions can be accepted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says five states have already issued chip cards and five others, including New York, are working toward implementation.
State officials said chip technology makes cards far more resistant to skimming, in which criminals capture card numbers and personal identification numbers from altered payment terminals. California reported an 83% decline in stolen benefits after introducing chip cards, according to a state lawmaker cited in New York's announcement.
Federal funding that once replaced stolen SNAP benefits ended in late 2024, increasing the potential impact on households when theft occurs.
Recipients can also use the ebtEDGE app to freeze and unfreeze a card and block online or out-of-state transactions. State agencies will not ask for an EBT card number or personal identification number by unsolicited phone call, text message or email.
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