Pilot Marks the First Phase of a Planned Statewide Rollout of Chip-Enabled EBT cards

July 13, 2026

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha today announced that residents of Cumberland, Essex, and Mercer counties who participate in either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program will begin receiving Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) chip cards this summer as part of the first phase of a planned statewide transition to chip-enabled EBT cards.

After the approximately four-week pilot phase, the Department will issue new chip cards to SNAP and WFNJ cardholders in all remaining counties. Effective immediately, any cardholder who requests a replacement card—regardless of county—will receive a new chip card.

“New Jersey is helping lead the fight against fraud while expanding access to food assistance, joining only a handful of states that have transitioned or are transitioning to chip cards. Under current federal law, electronically stolen benefits cannot be replaced, leaving families who experience this type of theft without recourse. The new chip cards provide enhanced security to help prevent that kind of loss in the first place, keeping benefits in the hands of the people who need them,” said Commissioner Cha.

EBT card skimming has been an ongoing problem for EBT cardholders nationwide. It occurs when devices illegally installed on or inside point-of-sale terminals capture card data and record cardholders’ PIN entries. Criminals then use this data to steal from victims’ accounts. While there was a period of time when states were authorized and funded under federal law to replace electronically stolen SNAP benefits, that ended in December 2024.

“Benefit theft adds to the financial hardship many SNAP and WFNJ beneficiaries are already facing. Upgrading to chip-enabled cards is an important step in strengthening security for cardholders and their benefits, and we are pleased to extend this added protection to beneficiaries,” said Deputy Commissioner for Social Services Michael J. Wilson.

SNAP and WFNJ benefits will be automatically transferred to the new cards and can be used as soon as they are activated. Cardholders will have 90 days from the day that they receive their new card to activate it. If the card is not activated within 90 days, cardholders will need to request a replacement card before they are able to use their benefits. Current cards will expire 60 days after the new cards are issued. Old cards should be destroyed when the new card is activated. 

The new cards will feature an updated design and enhanced security features. The cardholder’s name and card number will appear on the back of the card, and an expiration date and 3-digit security code have been added for increased security. The expiration date applies to the card only and does not affect the cardholder’s benefits. When using the new cards, cardholders should insert the chip or tap the card for payment instead of swiping it.

“We have worked hard to ensure everything functions as intended and look forward to issuing the new cards to all beneficiaries. Families are seeing grocery prices rise each time they shop. Having benefits stolen, with no means to replace them, only adds further strain to already stretched households. The chip cards will give beneficiaries peace of mind when they shop, helping reduce the incidents of benefits being stolen,” said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson. 

Chip/tap cards will only work if retailers have updated their point-of-sale device. Retailers who have not updated their devices yet should contact their point-of-sale provider to update their system. Retailers in need of assistance with upgrading their point-of-sale system can find information here: USDA’s SNAP EBT Modernization. 

Cardholders should continue to lock their card when not in use. Cards can be locked and unlocked at NJFamiliesFirst.gov or using the ConnectEBT app, which is the only approved app for New Jersey and is available in Apple App or Google Play Store. 

Current cardholders can link their SNAP and WFNJ cases on MyNJHelps.gov to see their account information including the current address listed for their account and request an address change if needed. 

For more information about the new chip/tap cards, visit www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/chipcard
Individuals and families can apply for SNAP online, in-person or by calling their County Social Service Agency, or through a SNAP Navigator. For more information, visit njsnap.gov.

New Jersey has made fighting hunger and strengthening food security a top priority. The Department is focused on preventing federal red tape under HR1 from disrupting SNAP participation and reach. Governor Sherrill’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $30.25 million to maintain a minimum monthly $95 SNAP benefit for approximately 40,000 households. A recent report commissioned by the Department found the $95 benefit plays an important role in supporting SNAP households, particularly seniors, and contributes to broader economic activity across the state. The Department has also modernized the SNAP application and expanded SNAP Navigators in every county as part of a broader effort to make SNAP more accessible to all New Jerseyans facing hunger.