Should CalFresh EBT cards have chips like regular debit cards for better security?

OMG YESSSS!! I've been saying this for YEARS!!!! My friend in Nevada says their EBT cards already have chips, why is CA so behind on this?? I had my benefits stolen TWICE last year and both times the county worker basically acted like it was my fault. Like how???? The 2nd time I had to wait over a month for replacement benefits and my kids had to eat ramen for dinner way too many times. Also hate how everyone at the store knows ur on benefits the second u pull out that card. So embarassing especially when the checker gives u that look.

had the same thing happen to me last summer. someone got my EBT info somehow and spent all my benefits at a store 30 miles away. i never even shop there! called the EBT customer service line and was on hold for like 2 hours before giving up. ended up having to go to the actual county office to report it.

This is actually a really important issue that doesn't get enough attention. The current magnetic stripe technology on EBT cards is extremely outdated and vulnerable to skimming, which is why benefit theft has increased so dramatically over the past few years. According to current USDA guidelines, states are allowed to upgrade their EBT cards to chip technology, but it's not yet mandated. California's Department of Social Services did announce a plan to upgrade the cards by late 2025, but the timeline has been pushed back several times due to budget constraints and implementation challenges. In the meantime, here are some ways to protect your benefits: 1. Check your EBT balance frequently through the mobile app or by calling the number on the back of your card 2. Avoid using your card at gas stations or outdoor ATMs where skimmers are more common 3. Report any suspicious activity immediately by calling the EBT customer service line 4. When possible, change your PIN regularly through the EBT website And yes, I completely agree about the stigma issue. The current design makes the cards instantly recognizable as government benefits, which can feel uncomfortable for many recipients.

i don't think the chip matters that much tbh. my mom has a chip on her bank card and it still got hacked last year. aren't most of the EBT scams happening online anyway? not sure how a chip would help with that.

I absolutely support upgrading to chip cards! When my benefits were stolen back in December, I spent 3 days trying to reach someone at my county office. Nobody answered the phone, and the voicemail was full. When I finally got through to someone, they told me I had to fill out an affidavit and wait for an investigation, which took over 4 weeks. During that time, I had no CalFresh benefits at all and had to rely on food banks. Instead of making it so difficult to get stolen benefits replaced, wouldn't it make more sense to prevent the theft in the first place with better card security? It feels like the system puts all the burden on us instead of fixing the actual problem.

Just wanted to update - I called my county CalFresh office today to ask about the chip card plans (was on hold for almost 40 minutes!). The worker I spoke with said they ARE planning to roll out new cards sometime next year with better security features, but she didn't have many details. She also suggested I change my PIN monthly as a precaution and said to check balances frequently. Better than nothing I guess, but still feels like they're putting the responsibility on us rather than fixing the system.

Just want to clarify some information about EBT benefit theft and what's being done: 1. You're absolutely right that chip cards would help. The USDA (which oversees SNAP/CalFresh) has been pushing states to implement them. 2. California specifically allocated funds in the 2024-2025 budget for EBT card security upgrades, including chip technology and contactless payment options. 3. The current timeline is for a phased rollout beginning in October 2025, with full implementation by early 2026. 4. In the meantime, California passed emergency regulations in March 2025 that improve the benefit replacement process. Counties now have 10 calendar days (not business days) to process theft claims and provide emergency replacement benefits while investigations are pending. 5. The new cards will also have a more discreet design that looks similar to standard bank cards, addressing the stigma concern many have mentioned. If you experience theft, immediately report it through BenefitsCal or by calling your county. Request an "expedited theft claim" specifically, as this triggers the 10-day replacement requirement.

my cousin works at the welfare office and she said they got thousands of fraud reports last year. ppl need to be careful where they use their cards

To answer your question about the specific form - it's called the "EBT-2259 - Statement of Facts for EBT Theft Claim." You can download it from the CDSS website or get it from your county office. Make sure to include as much detail as possible about where you last used your card and when you noticed the benefits were missing. Regarding store safety, there are a few things to watch for: - Inspect card readers for any loose components or anything that looks like it was attached - Cover the keypad when entering your PIN - Avoid stores that have had multiple reports of skimming (you can actually check this on the CDSS website) - Use the EBT Mobile app to freeze/unfreeze your card when not in use (new feature added in 2024) And yes, the new cards will be a standard blue design similar to bank debit cards, without the obvious California imagery or "EBT" displayed prominently. They'll still identify as "California SNAP" on the back in small print as required by federal regulations.

Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I've learned so much from this thread. I downloaded the EBT Mobile app mentioned above and found the freeze feature - super easy to use. I'm going to start freezing my card between shopping trips. Also bookmarked the EBT-2259 form just in case. Still think it's ridiculous we have to wait until 2026 for basic security features that regular bank cards have had for years, but at least it's finally happening. Fingers crossed none of us have to deal with theft again before then!