New Jersey has completed the statewide rollout of chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for residents receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Work First New Jersey benefits, state officials announced today.

The new cards are designed to provide added protection against electronic benefit theft, including card skimming, which occurs when criminals use illegally installed devices to capture EBT card information and PINs.

Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha said New Jersey is among the first states in the nation to make chip-enabled EBT cards available as part of an effort to safeguard benefits for residents who rely on them.

The statewide launch follows a pilot program in Cumberland, Essex and Mercer counties. During the pilot, there were hundreds of thousands of successful transactions, including more than 100,000 chip transactions, 41,000 tap-to-pay transactions and 56,000 online purchases, according to the Department of Human Services.

The state began the transition to chip-enabled cards this summer, and recipients statewide are now receiving the upgraded cards.

Skimming has been an ongoing problem for EBT cardholders nationwide. While states were previously authorized and funded under federal law to replace SNAP benefits stolen electronically, that authority expired in December 2024, leaving victims without a way to recover benefits stolen through electronic theft.

Hundreds of Lakewood families were among thousands across the state who had their benefits stolen from them in recent months.

SNAP and WFNJ benefits are automatically transferred to the new cards and become available once the cards are activated. Cardholders have 90 days from the date they receive their new card to activate it. Existing cards expire 60 days after the new cards are issued and should be destroyed after the new card is activated.

The new cards feature an updated design and enhanced security features, including an expiration date and three-digit security code. The cardholder’s name and card number appear on the back of the card.

Recipients are encouraged to insert the card’s chip or use tap-to-pay rather than swipe the card when making purchases at compatible terminals.

State officials are also urging cardholders to regularly check their balances and lock their cards when they are not in use. Cards can be locked and unlocked through NJFamiliesFirst.gov or the ConnectEBT app, which is the state’s approved EBT app.

Current SNAP and WFNJ recipients can also link their cases through MyNJHelps.gov to view account information and notices and complete certain case actions, including reporting changes and uploading documents.

The state Department of Human Services said it is continuing efforts to strengthen food security and make SNAP more accessible. Gov. Sherrill’s fiscal 2027 budget includes $30.25 million to maintain a minimum monthly SNAP benefit of $95 for approximately 40,000 households.

The department also recently modernized the SNAP application process and expanded SNAP Navigators to every county.

Individuals and families can apply for SNAP online, in person through their county social service agency or with assistance from a SNAP Navigator.