Q: Who will receive a replacement card?
A: All active cardholders will receive a replacement card by mail. "Active card" is defined as those cards attached to a food or cash benefit account with transactions within the last nine months of the go-live date.
Q: What is the timeline of the roll-out?
A: EBT replacement card packages will be mailed in January 2025 and will include the new EBT card with Chip EMV/Tap technology and educational pamphlets. EBT cardholders will have approximately 45 days after issuance to activate the replacement card before their old card becomes inoperable.
Q: Will cardholders receiving a replacement card be issued a new PIN?
A: The existing PIN and EBT balance will carry over to the new card.
Q: Will cardholders be prompted to enter a PIN when they Tap the card into a device?
A: Yes, the terminal will prompt for the cardholder to enter a PIN for all transactions.
Q: When will the old card be deactivated?
A: The old magnetic stripe only EBT card will be automatically deactivated when the new Chip EMV/Tap EBT card is activated after a successful transaction or 45 days after the issuance of the new card. A successful transaction occurs at a store, ATM, online or through a balance inquiry.
Q: Are cardholders able to receive a replacement card at their local county office?
A: Yes, cardholders can be issued a replacement card at their local county office by presenting required information to authenticate their identity. The state will run weekly reports and remove cardholders from the mailing distribution who receive over the counter replacement cards.
Q: How can cardholders get assistance?