Virginia begins rollout of more secure EBT cards

Virginia has begun replacing existing Electronic Benefit Transfer cards with cards that use chip-and-tap technology in an effort to reduce theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

Recipients do not need to request the replacement cards, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. A second round of the rollout is scheduled to begin at the end of October, and state officials expect all Virginia EBT cardholders to receive new cards by the end of December.

The new cards can be inserted or tapped at compatible terminals and still contain a magnetic stripe for retailers that have not yet upgraded their equipment. State officials are encouraging recipients to make sure their current mailing address is on file with their local social services department.

Virginia is the eighth state in the nation to adopt chip-enabled EBT cards the fifth to use dual-interface technology that supports both tap and insert.

Cardholders may continue using their existing cards until their replacements arrive.

For details, visit virginiachipcard.com or call the EBT Call Center at 866-281-2448 24 hours a day.