New Jersey Among First States in Nation to Make Chip-Enabled EBT Cards Available to Help Combat Electronic Benefit Theft

September 10, 2026

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha today announced that Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) chip cards have been distributed statewide to residents participating in either the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program.

The statewide launch follows a pilot phase during which cards were distributed to SNAP and WFNJ participants residing in Cumberland, Essex, and Mercer counties. Since the pilot launched, there have been hundreds of thousands of successful transactions including more than 100,000 chip transactions, 41,000 tap-to-pay transactions, and 56,000 online purchases.

“We are excited to make these more secure cards available to all residents who participate in SNAP or the WFNJ program. The chip-enabled cards provide an added layer of security and are an important tool in our ongoing efforts to safeguard benefits and protect residents who rely on this assistance from this type of widespread benefit fraud,” 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.

“Skimming targets some of our most vulnerable residents, including low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Losing benefits that cannot be replaced can be devastating. This upgrade will help reduce the risk of skimming and better protect our neighbors who depend on these benefits,” 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 can 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.

“This is the latest in a series of efforts to protect people’s benefits. Chip cards will help reduce the risk of electronic theft, but we still urge cardholders to regularly check their balances, lock their cards when not in use, and use every tool at their disposal to protect their benefits,” said Division of Family Development Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson.

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 any notices that are mailed to them and complete some case actions such as reporting changes and uploading documents

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 H.R.1 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.