The Alabama Department of Human Resources has begun issuing new chip-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards to strengthen security for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients statewide.

According to a news release, the first phase of the rollout is underway through a pilot program in Autauga, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Russell, Shelby and Tallapoosa counties. The pilot is expected to last between 30 and 45 days. If successful, Alabama DHR will mail the new chip-enabled EBT cards to all remaining cardholders across the state.

The release stated that both SNAP and TANF benefits will automatically transfer to the new cards. Benefit amounts will not change and recipients can continue using their cards at the same authorized retailers.

“This change has been in the works for a long time and to see it finally come to fruition is incredibly rewarding knowing our EBT clients’ benefits will be better protected,” Commissioner Nancy Buckner said in the release. “A special thanks to the Alabama Grocers Association and Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama for helping us spread the word to grocery and convenience stores to upgrade their point-of-sale systems and accept chipped cards. They were instrumental in making this transition quick and seamless.”

The redesigned cards include several new security features. All personal information now appears on the back of the card. Each card includes an expiration date and a three-digit security code. The expiration date applies only to the physical card and does not affect benefits.

Cardholders must activate the new card once it arrives by mail. During activation, EBT Customer Service will prompt users to enter the card number, date of birth, ZIP code, three-digit security code and expiration date. Cards must be activated within 180 days of issuance. After activation, recipients are instructed to immediately destroy their old EBT card.

When making purchases, Alabama DHR encourages cardholders to insert the chip into the point-of-sale device rather than swiping. If the chip does not work, the card may be swiped as a fallback option.

Per the release, the chip-enabled cards will not function at retailer point-of-sale devices that have not been updated to accept them. While the cards retain a magnetic stripe for fallback transactions, retailers must ensure their systems are configured to allow chipped EBT cards to revert to magnetic stripe use until chip technology is fully supported.

Retailers are urged to contact their point-of-sale providers to confirm their systems are properly updated. Additional guidance for retailers is available through the USDA SNAP EBT Modernization website at www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/modernization/chip-resources.

Alabama DHR also recommends that all EBT recipients continue using the ConnectEBT mobile app to lock their cards as an added layer of protection against fraud and theft.

EBT cardholders who need help with the new chip-enabled cards can contact EBT Customer Service at (800) 997-8888.