Your EBT Card Just Got Upgraded — What to Do Next
For many Prince Georgians, ensuring every benefit dollar possible goes to creating hearty and nourishing meals is consistently a top priority month-to-month. Because of this, benefit fraud and card skimming can have such a detrimental impact on residents just trying to make ends meet.
To better protect residents from these kinds of fraud activities and benefit theft, our parent agency, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), has rolled out new, more secure Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to customers. As a local department of DHS, the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (PGCDSS) is notifying benefits recipients about the upgraded "chip-and-tap" EBT cards.
Maryland is proud to be just the fourth state in the nation to deploy EMV microchip technology for all EBT recipients. These new cards use modern technology, featuring an embedded microchip with contactless tap-to-pay capabilities. All 500,000 of the new cards are in the mail and out for delivery to your address on record. These new cards replace the older magnetic-stripe (“magstripe”) cards; because of this, once you receive your new card, be sure to activate it as soon as possible.
✅ Check and update your mailing address today at:
Why This Upgrade Matters
Card-skimming devices placed on store checkout terminals have become an increasing threat nationwide. Older magstripe cards rely on static data that can be copied by scammers. The new EMV microchip generates a unique, one-time security code for every insert or tap checkout transaction. This dynamic encryption makes it virtually impossible for skimming devices to clone your card details, keeping your hard-earned benefits where they belong—with your family. Upgrading to the new chip card does not change your benefit amounts, deposit dates, or account balances. All existing funds automatically transfer to your new card seamlessly.
All Magstripe EBT Cards Will Stop Working on September 30, 2026
Please activate your new “chip-and-tap” card as soon as you receive it.
How to Take Action
If your household currently receives SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), your new card will arrive directly in the mail. To make sure your transition is completely worry-free, follow these three simple steps:
- Update Your Mailing Address: New cards are sent to the address on file. Verify that your mailing address is accurate by logging into benefits.maryland.gov or calling 1-800-332-6347.
- Activate: Once your new card arrives, follow the enclosed instructions, call 1-800-997-2222 to activate it and select a PIN.
- Please stay on the line if the system responds “invalid” after entering your new card number. If you have issues setting up your new card from there, please visit your local DSS office for assistance.
- Visit or Download ebtEDGE: Next, visit ebtEdge Cardholder Portal download the official ebtEDGE mobile app to unlock real-time security controls—including the ability to freeze your card whenever you aren't shopping.
- Snip It, Shred It, Lock It: Once your new chip card is activated, safely destroy and appropriately discard your old card.
- If you prefer to cut your old card, cut horizontally and vertically directly through the magnetic stripe and old card number, and toss the pieces in the trash.
Fast Facts for Using Your New Chip Card
The Design: Look for the updated card featuring the Maryland State House dome, an embedded EMV chip, and the contactless payment symbol.
The Card Freeze Feature: By using the official ebtEDGE mobile app, you can toggle your card status to "Frozen" in seconds between grocery trips to block unauthorized purchases.
At the Checkout Register: Insert the microchip or tap your card at store payment terminals. If a store terminal does not support chips yet, the card will fall back to a standard magnetic swipe.
Card Replacement Support: If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you suspect unauthorized activity, call the official Maryland EBT/P-EBT customer service phone line immediately available 24/7 at 1-800-997-2222.
Safe, Confidential, and Local
The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services understands that major technology shifts can bring questions or concerns about scams and privacy. Additionally, receiving SNAP or TCA benefits remains completely safe and confidential. Using your EBT card does not fall under Public Charge guidelines, ensuring diverse families in our county can safely claim and protect their benefits without risk to their legal status.
Beware of scams: Do not share your card information or PIN with anyone. State staff will never call or text you to ask for your EBT card number or PIN. The official state EBT website will never ask for your card number or PIN on its first page. Watch out for fake websites that look like the official EBT site. If you get suspicious calls, texts, or links asking for your EBT details, do not reply or enter any personal information.
✅ Learn more about your new card today at:
Thank you for helping us make EBT benefits in Prince George’s County safer and more secure.
