New York State will begin distributing new SNAP EBT cards equipped with chip technology during the first months of 2027, a move aimed at significantly reducing benefit theft through card cloning.

  • Why it matters: Millions of families rely on SNAP benefits each month to buy groceries.

With this technology upgrade, the state hopes to stop criminals from draining beneficiaries’ accounts using illegal skimming devices installed at payment terminals.

New York moves to more secure SNAP EBT cards

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has completed the process of selecting the company that will manufacture the new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards.

According to the official announcement, Fidelity Information Services (FIS) will produce the new cards, which will feature the same security technology used in most bank-issued debit and credit cards.

The new SNAP EBT cards are expected to begin rolling out during the first quarter of 2027 after implementation of the updated system is complete.

«We are committed to protecting New Yorkers from benefit theft, and modernizing our EBT system is the most effective tool we have to prevent unscrupulous criminals from taking advantage of some of our most vulnerable residents,» Governor Kathy Hochul said.

New York aims to stop SNAP benefit theft

The transition comes in response to a growing number of benefit theft cases involving devices known as skimmers, which are used to copy the information stored on the magnetic stripes of current EBT cards.

State officials explained that the new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards will be much harder to clone, providing stronger protection for the money families use to purchase food and meet other essential needs.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), five states already issue chip-enabled EBT cards, while five others—including New York—are moving forward with similar upgrades.

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What SNAP beneficiaries need to know

The state’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes funding to produce approximately two million new SNAP EBT cards.

Officials said beneficiaries will be notified before receiving their replacement cards and will not need to complete any special application or paperwork.

Authorities also urged recipients to remain alert for scams.

cupones-de-alimentos-SNAP, SNAP EBT Cards Are Coming—Here’s Everything You Need to Know
SNAP EBT Cards Are Coming—Here’s Everything You Need to Know – PHOTO: Shutterstock
  • Keep in mind: The OTDA, local social services departments, and the card provider will never ask for your card number, PIN, or personal account information by phone, email, or text message.

Officials warned that sharing this information could allow criminals to access SNAP benefits and other financial assistance deposited onto an EBT card.

With this modernization effort, New York hopes to strengthen the security of the SNAP program and ensure that assistance reaches the millions of families who depend on it.