New chip-enabled Secure EBT cards coming in 2025 - will this REALLY stop benefit theft?

My cousin works for the county and she said these new cards are supposed to be WAY more secure than what we have now. They're supposed to mail them automatically I think.

The chip technology should help with the skimming issues we've all been dealing with. My understanding is that the new Secure EBT cards use EMV chip technology similar to regular debit/credit cards, which creates a unique transaction code each time it's used. This makes it much harder for thieves to clone your card from skimming devices. According to the CDSS information sheet, these will be mailed automatically to all current EBT cardholders beginning January 2025, with a rollout continuing through April. Your current PIN will work with the new card, and any remaining benefits will transfer automatically once you activate the new card. You'll need to destroy your old card after activating the new one. While this won't stop ALL theft (nothing can), it should significantly reduce the skimming problems that have plagued the system. Just remember to still protect your PIN and be cautious at unfamiliar ATMs or point-of-sale terminals.

these new cards are BS!! they said the LAST upgrade would stop theft too and my benefits got stolen TWICE last year!!! the system is rigged against us and no stupid chip is gonna stop hackers who are way smarter than the government!!!

I've had my CalFresh benefits stolen three times in the past year! The last time was just two weeks ago - $680 gone overnight. Called the EBT customer service and got nowhere. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at my county office and they helped file the theft claim properly. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 As for the new cards, my worker told me they'll definitely be more secure, but we should still check our balances regularly and report any theft within 10 days. Apparently the chip creates a unique code for each transaction that can't be copied by skimmers.

my friend in the LA office said there mailing the cards in batches by last name so A-F is January G-M is February N-S is March and T-Z is April but dont quote me on that lol

I work with several CalFresh clients as a benefits counselor, and here's what we know for certain about the new Secure EBT cards: 1. The rollout begins January 2025 and continues through April 2025 2. Cards will be mailed automatically to your address on file 3. You MUST activate the new card when you receive it (instructions will be included) 4. Your existing PIN will work with the new card 5. After activation, benefits automatically transfer to the new card 6. The chip technology is the same EMV standard used by banks IMPORTANT: Make sure your address is current with the county! If you've moved in the past year and haven't updated your address, do so immediately or your new card may go to the wrong place. While these cards will help with skimming fraud, everyone should still take basic precautions: cover the PIN pad when entering your number, check for unusual devices on card readers, and monitor your balance regularly through the EBT app or website.

Wait I'm confused...is this for CalFresh AND CalWORKs? I get both and I need to know if I'll get two different cards or if its just one new card for everything? And what about the pandemic EBT benefits, are those affected too?

I appreciate everyone's responses! Sounds like most of us are cautiously optimistic about these new cards. I just set a reminder to double-check my address on file. After what I went through last time with the stolen benefits, I'm willing to try anything that might help. Will update here when I eventually get my new card!

I'm really hoping these new cards work better than what we have now. I had my benefits stolen twice in 2024 and it was such a nightmare trying to get them replaced. The county workers kept asking for police reports and receipts I didn't have, and I went almost a month without food assistance the second time. One thing I'm wondering about - will the new cards work at all the same stores and ATMs? Sometimes when stores update their card readers it takes a while for EBT to work properly again. I rely on a few smaller grocery stores in my neighborhood and I'm worried they might not be ready for the chip technology right away. Also, does anyone know if we'll be able to use mobile payment options eventually? I see people paying with their phones at stores and wonder if that might be even more secure than cards.