In 2024, the Office of the State Inspector General reported more than $15 million in SNAP benefits through stolen through the use of illegal devices at point-of-sale terminals to skim the card’s information from the magnetic stripe. Unlike modern debit and credit cards, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards do not have chip security technology to protect against skimming. Loss of these benefits jeopardizes many families’ access to food, further exacerbating hardships. 

With stolen SNAP benefits no longer being replaced, it is critical now more than ever that we make EBT cards as secure as possible. Act 46 of 2025 requested a study on the transition to chip-enabled EBT cards so that we could examine the feasibility of the transition. Now, understanding the cost and hurdles from that report, combined with lessons learned from implementation in Alabama, California, and Oklahoma, it’s time that we begin the transition to ensure Pennsylvanians can securely utilize their EBT cards without fear their benefits will be stolen. 

To help Pennsylvanians securely access their benefits, we will introduce legislation requiring Pennsylvania to transition to chip-enabled EBT cards. Please join us in this effort to make sure benefits reach the individuals and families they are intended to support.