For added security and ease of use, your EBT card is receiving an upgrade and here is a list of FAQs to address everything you need to know about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is changing?
A The California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card is being upgraded to support Chip/Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) and Tap Pay capabilities.
Q Why is CDSS replacing EBT Cards for food and cash benefits recipients?
A CA EBT skimming fraud is resulting in unintended lack of or delayed access to benefits for eligible CA EBT card holders. To reduce theft of benefits, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is upgrading magstripe EBT cards to Chip/Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) and Tap Pay (Chip EMV/Tap)-enabled cards.
Q Is this transition happening in all states?
A California is leading the nation as the first state to enable Chip EMV/Tap technology for EBT cards. The purpose is to improve security and increase the protection of food and cash benefits for recipients.
Q When will I receive my new card and when can I start using it?
A If you are an active EBT card holder, you will receive your upgraded replacement card via mail in February. Your new card will have Chip EMV/Tap functionality enabled. “Active,” as it relates to this transition, is defined as EBT cards attached to a food or cash benefit account that have transactions within the last nine months. Chip EMV/Tap card mailings will be prioritized according to program participation. You should use your card immediately when you receive it after the planned “go-live” date of February 24, 2025.
Q Will I keep the balance I have on my existing card?
A Yes, cardholders’ existing PIN and balances will carry over to the new card. Your benefit load amount will not be impacted.
Q What will I find in the EBT Mailer?
A Your tri-fold EBT Mailer with your new card attached will have valuable information about how you can protect your benefits (including how to access ebtEDGE); important details about TAP v. insert or swipe and retail readiness; tips about keeping a secure PIN and NEVER sharing it; and the availability of direct deposit. The EBT Mailer is available in all threshold languages, on a printed document inserted with all cards.
Q What is different about the new EBT Cards?
A The replacement EBT card has new technology and includes several advantages for secure transactions:
- Chip – provides a more sophisticated authentication process of the card than what the magnetic strip does.
- Tap – The Near-Field Communication (NFC) is a contactless technology, transmitting data with just a tap of the card.
- Magnetic Stripe – New technology is embedded in the stripe.
- CSC NNN – The ‘Card Security Code (3-digit number)’ is an addition to the EBT Card to allow cardholders to use their card for online purchases.
- SUID – The County code and case number displays under the cardholder’s name.
- Expiration Date – Every card will have an expiration date of 12/49. Once the state determines the algorithm and timeframe for card replacements, they will be deployed in a staggered approach automatically and prior to the expiration date shown on the card.
Q Will all active cardholders receive the upgraded EBT cards at the same time?
A Cardholders will receive their Chip EMV/Tap card replacements in three phases:
- Cardholders and Authorized Representative(s) with existing “Active” EBT cards linked with combination CalWORKs and CalFresh cases. This includes CalFresh cases linked with any cash benefit program, such as Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, General Assistance or General Relief, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- Cardholders and Authorized Representative(s) with existing “Active” EBT cards linked with cash-only benefit cases.
- Cardholders and Authorized Representative(s) with existing “Active” EBT cards linked with food-only benefit cases.
Q What happens to my existing card and when/how will it be deactivated?
A Both existing and new cards are NOT active at the same time. Your existing card will continue to work until:
- You make any administrative or financial transaction. This means you can change your PIN, lock/unlock your card, or use it to redeem food and/or cash benefits. When you complete the transaction, the old magstripe card will immediately be deactivated.
- The old magstripe card automatically deactivates 45 days after you are issued the replacement card.
Q What if I am unhoused?
A You are included in the EBT card replacement activities. Contra Costa County will have replacement cards available at our Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) district offices. You may visit one of our offices to pick up your new card:
West County
151 Linus Pauling, Hercules
1305 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond
1275 Hall Avenue, Richmond
Central County
400 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill
East County
4545 Delta Fair Blvd, Antioch
151 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood
Q Where can I find more information?
A Call Customer Service at 1(877) 328-9677 or visit the EBT Client Website at www.ebt.ca.gov.
You may also check out CDSS resources at California EBT Card_CDSS_PUB 388 and How to Use Your EBT Card_CDSS_PUB 389