Chip-enabled EBT cards are now rolling out statewide, marking a major security upgrade for Alabama families who rely on food assistance benefits.

Following a successful pilot program in December 2025, the Alabama Department of Human Resources has mailed new chip-enabled EBT cards to all cardholders across the state. The cards are expected to arrive in mailboxes over the coming days and must be activated before use.

“I am so pleased to finally bring this instrumental change to our EBT cardholders statewide,” said Commissioner Nancy Buckner in a news release. “After a successful pilot program, we have shown that these new cards are easy to use and offer much better protection for the benefits. I am pleased that with this chip technology upgrade, our clients can have more confidence that their benefits will be there when they purchase groceries. This is not the end; we will continue to work and develop new and innovative ways to better protect our clients and their benefits.”

Once a new card arrives, cardholders must activate it by contacting EBT Customer Service. During activation, customers will be prompted to enter their 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, cardholders are instructed to destroy their old EBT card immediately.

The new cards are designed to be inserted, not swiped. DHR officials emphasized that the chip provides the most secure method for completing transactions and warned cardholders not to swipe the new cards at checkout.

As an added layer of protection, all newly issued cards are automatically set to block out-of-state and online purchases. Cardholders who want to make purchases outside Alabama or online must first unlock their card using the ConnectEBT Mobile App, the ConnectEBT website at www.connectebt.com or by calling EBT Customer Service.

Gulf Coast Media previously reported on the chipped EBT cards and the automatic block on out-of-state purchases. More information is available at www.GulfCoastMedia.com.

DHR also recommends that clients lock their EBT cards through the ConnectEBT app whenever the card is not in use to help prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. Chip technology has increasingly become a standard safeguard against skimming and other forms of benefit theft nationwide as states work to strengthen protections for public assistance programs.

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