Massachusetts Governor Healey announces statewide launch of EBT chip cards to help prevent SNAP theft

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey announced today that Massachusetts has become the fourth state in the nation to roll out chip and tap-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards statewide to enhance security and better prevent theft across the system, including for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The statewide launch follows a successful pilot in the Worcester area in July, during which the Department of Transitional Assistance mailed 35,000 chip cards to clients, which were used in tens of thousands of successful transactions. Updated EBT cards will be mailed to clients in the rest of the state throughout August. 

“Families across Massachusetts rely on DTA programs to afford groceries and other essential goods. We’re focused on preventing fraud and theft so that these funds are going to the people who need and deserve them,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is proud to be leading the nation when it comes to the security and integrity of our EBT programs.” 

“I am thrilled to be on track for the next milestone in our roadmap to further protect DTA clients from theft. This pilot is a critical step in the process, and I am glad that DTA clients in the Worcester area are successfully using these cards. I eagerly anticipate expanding these protections to all clients” said DTA Commissioner Michael Cole. “Having a chip and tap-to-pay option on our EBT cards means a safer way to access benefits people use to keep their families fed and is one more tool in our arsenal that supports our ongoing commitment to safeguarding public funds.”  

In 2025, Governor Healey introduced and the Legislature passed funding to implement the transition to these more secure cards, making Massachusetts one of the first states in the country to implement a transition to Chip/Tap-to-Pay. To activate, clients should use their card within 60 days of receiving it. 

Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration began notifying retailers to prepare for this upcoming change by updating their Point-of-Sale system to accept the new chip and/or tap EBT cards. In order to have as little disruption to clients as possible, DTA has closely collaborated with retailers for months to ensure they are prepared for this transition, and the vast majority of retailers statewide are prepared to accept the new cards. As SNAP retailers update their systems to accept insert or tap transactions, some retailers may require customers to swipe their card. This does not mean that the card is broken or defective, but that the store has not yet updated its systems. More information for retailers is available here. 

In addition to rolling out these cards, DTA has already implemented several features to protect EBT benefits, which include: 

• Card lock/unlock technology using the DTA Connect mobile application and the Cardholder Customer Service Line   
• Providing an EBT card safety flyer with every EBT card issued that contains information on how to lock/unlock your card  
• Encouraging clients to regularly change their PIN 
• Producing educational materials on protecting your EBT card and identifying scams  
• External engagement with retailers and retail associations through outreach and education on benefit theft schemes and patterns 

Per federal regulations, DTA refers suspected retailer fraud to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and suspected individual fraud to the state Auditor’s Office. USDA is obligated to report suspected violations of criminal law to the U.S. Department of Justice. For example, in 2024, DTA reported Jesula Variety Store for suspected fraud to the USDA. Last year, the U.S. Attorney announced charges against the store owner. Additionally, last month DTA uncovered and shutdown a widespread skimming theft scheme in the summer food assistance SUN Bucks program and reported it directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and USDA.