New York State Upgrades SNAP Benefits Cards to Chip Technology

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the state will begin distributing new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards equipped with chip technology starting in early 2027. The upgrade aims to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from benefit theft through card cloning, a growing form of fraud impacting thousands of families. The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) contracted with Fidelity Information Services, LLC (FIS) to produce the new cards, which will utilize the same chip technology found in standard bank cards.

The federal EBT system already supports chip-based cards, allowing for distribution to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Approximately two million cards will be issued to current SNAP and Public Assistance recipients as the program rolls out. This initiative follows a trend among US states, with five already using chip technology and five more, including New York, moving towards adoption.

The move comes after the federal government stopped funding the replacement of stolen benefits at the end of 2024, increasing the need for more secure cards. OTDA is also contacting businesses to update payment terminals and will notify recipients with instructions on replacing and activating their new cards.