PD 25-03: New EBT Chip EMV/Tap Cards Received at District Offices

Date:	02/18/2025
To:	Clerical Staff
From:	Elizabeth Garay, SSA BPIS
Reference:	N/A

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Background

Recent guidance highlights an ongoing issue with fraudulent activity involving third-party individuals illegally skimming to create, clone, or copy Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. To combat this persistent problem, California will upgrade the magnetic stripe EBT cards to EBT Chip EMV/Tap-enabled cards to reduce theft.

 

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Guidance 

As previously announced, the new EBT Chip EMV/Tap Cards will take effect on Feb 24, 2025.

It is important to note that cardholders will have 180 days to activate their new cards as referenced in CP Update 2024-09: New EBT Chip EMV/Tap-Enabled Card Technology (Revised). In some instances, cardholders may be using a county district office as their mailing address.

Mail received on behalf of the cardholder regarding the new EBT Chip EMV/Tap Card must be held for the cardholder beyond the normal hold time to ensure the cardholder is given enough time to pick up the new card within the 180-day activation time.

 

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Implementation

Effective February 24, 2025.