CDSS Programs EBT EBT Electronic Theft Resources

EBT Electronic Theft Resources

NEW EBT CHIP AND TAP CARD

California is issuing new EBT cards with chip and tap features to help protect your benefits. To ensure you receive your new EBT card in the mail, cardholders are encouraged to update their mailing address through the BenefitsCal portal or by contacting your local county office.

All existing benefits will transfer automatically to the new EBT card, and the PIN will stay the same. Activate the new EBT card by making a food purchase or withdrawing cash. Magnetic-striped only EBT cards can still be used until a chip and tap card has been activated or up to 180 days after the new chip and tap EBT card is issued, whichever comes first.

Some EBT retailers may not accept tap or chip features right away. Use the tap or chip feature first, and then swipe the card if prompted by the point of sale terminal.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) created videos with security tips on how you can protect your benefits using the new EBT card. Video (English): Protect Your Benefits with the EBT Chip and Tap Card!) Video(Español): ¡Proteja sus beneficios con la tarjeta EBT de chip y toque!

Video: Protect Your Benefits with the EBT Chip and Tap Card!

protectyourbenefits

Video: ¡Proteja sus beneficios con la tarjeta EBT de chip y toque! 

protectyourbenefits

BEWARE OF EBT ELECTRONIC THEFT AND SCAMS

California has experienced an increase in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) theft. If you think your benefits may have been stolen, please report the theft and request a replacement EBT card immediately. Cardholders must file the Report of Electronic Theft (EBT 2259 - English, EBT 2259 - Spanish) within 90 calendar days from the date of the theft in order to be eligible for food or cash benefit replacement. You may complete the theft reporting process online using your BenefitsCal account or by visiting your local county office. Create a BenefitsCal account and learn more by visiting BenefitsCal EBT FAQs. Please watch this video to learn how to protect yourself from benefit theft:

Video: Watch Out for EBT Scams!

CDSS Logo with video play button overlaying the top

Use the free ebtEDGE mobile and web-based application to manage your CalFresh and/or CalWORKs benefits, check your balances, and review transaction history. Available now for download in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). No mobile device? No problem! You can manage your account online at www.ebt.ca.gov.

CAN I GET MY STOLEN BENEFITS REPLACED?

You may get your food benefits replaced if:

  • You had your EBT card with you when benefits were stolen from your EBT account.
    and
  • One of the following occurred:
    • Your card was skimmed by electronic equipment taking your card information without your knowledge.
      or
    • You were scammed into giving an unauthorized third-party your EBT card number and personal identification number (PIN). This could be someone that you believed to be the EBT vendor, an approved retailer, or a government entity.
Note: Supplemental Food benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Benefit (SNB) and Transitional Nutrition Benefit (TNB) are not eligible for replacement benefits.

You may get your cash benefits replaced if:

  • You had your EBT card with you when benefits were stolen from your EBT account.
    and
  • One of the following occurred:
    • Your card was skimmed by electronic equipment taking your card information without your knowledge.
      or
    • You were scammed into giving an unauthorized third-party your EBT card number and personal identification number (PIN). This could be someone that you believed to be the EBT vendor, an approved retailer, or a government entity.
Note: scam replacements for cash benefits are limited to one time within a 36-month period. EBT Scamming Acknowledgment (EBT 2259A) is not required for electronic food benefit theft claims.