As part of a strategic initiative to bolster security and protect benefits for vulnerable residents, the New Jersey Department of Human Services has launched a pilot program to transition to chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Announced by Commissioner Stephen Cha on July 13, the pilot marks the first phase of a planned statewide rollout intended to combat the rising national issue of EBT card skimming.
The initial phase of the transition is currently underway in three counties: Cumberland, Essex and Mercer. Residents in these areas who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) program will begin receiving the new chip-enabled cards this summer.
Following a four-week pilot period, the Department plans to issue the new cards to SNAP and WFNJ cardholders across all remaining New Jersey counties. Additionally, any cardholder in the state who requests a replacement card—regardless of their county—will now receive the new chip-enabled version.
The new cards are designed to address “skimming,” a form of fraud where criminals install illegal devices on or inside point-of-sale terminals to capture card data and PIN entries. To protect against this, the updated cards offer several security improvements:
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Chip/Tap Technology: Users should insert the chip or tap the card at payment terminals rather than swiping, making it significantly harder for criminals to steal card information.
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Updated Design: The cards now feature an expiration date, a 3-digit security code, and move the cardholder’s name and number to the back of the card.
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Continued Protections: Cardholders are still encouraged to lock and unlock their cards as needed through the NJFamiliesFirst.gov website or the ConnectEBT app, which remains the only approved mobile application for New Jersey beneficiaries.
- Activation: Once a new card is received, beneficiaries must activate it within 90 days. If not activated within this window, cardholders will need to request a replacement.
- Transition Period: Current cards will remain valid for 60 days after the new chip cards are issued. Users should destroy their old cards once the new one is activated.
- Retailer Compatibility: The new chip/tap technology requires retailers to have updated point-of-sale equipment. Retailers who have not yet upgraded their systems are encouraged to contact their providers or visit the USDA’s SNAP EBT Modernization resource page for assistance.
“New Jersey is helping lead the fight against fraud while expanding access to food assistance,” Cha said. “The new chip cards provide enhanced security to help prevent that kind of loss in the first place, keeping benefits in the hands of the people who need them.”
