Maryland SNAP users are getting new EBT chip cards
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Maryland started rolling out new, updated EBT cards to SNAP users in July. The new cards use a chip instead of a magnetic stripe, which means you can now tap to pay instead of swiping your EBT card at eligible stores—the goal is to help prevent EBT theft.
SNAP households in Maryland should expect to receive their new EBT cards in the mail. Here’s what to know about activating your new card—and what to do if you haven’t gotten yours yet.
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What to do when you get your new EBT chip card#what-to-do-when-you-get-your-new-ebt-chip-card
- Once you’ve gotten your new EBT chip card, follow the activation instructions that came with it. If you need help activating your card, you can call Maryland DHS at 1-800-997-2222.
- You’ll need to create a new EBT PIN when you activate the card. If you don’t set a new PIN, you may have trouble getting to your benefits and using your card.
- Once you’ve activated your new EBT chip card, the old EBT card will automatically stop working. You can throw the old one away, but first make sure you’ve destroyed it by cutting straight through the magnetic stripe.
Your SNAP benefit amount, current balance, and deposit schedule will not change because of the new cards.
Alert: Even if you don’t use your new EBT chip card, your old EBT card will automatically stop working on September 30, 2026.
Card locking and unlocking#card-locking-and-unlocking
You can lock your new EBT card to help keep it secure and make sure no one else is using it, but make sure to unlock it before you go to make a purchase.
If you’re grocery shopping with your new EBT chip card and it’s not working at checkout, it may be because the card is locked. You can easily lock and unlock your EBT card using the Propel app—just click the shield icon to the right of your EBT balance.
What if I haven’t gotten my new EBT chip card yet?#what-if-i-havent-gotten-my-new-ebt-chip-card-yet
Maryland sent out the new EBT chip cards in July. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, it may still be on the way, but you should make sure your mailing address is current with DHS.
To update your current address:
- Go to benefits.maryland.gov and sign in or create an account using the buttons in the top right corner
- Once you’re signed in, go to “My Benefits Dashboard”
- Select the “Report Changes” tab
- Select “Report a Change” to enter and submit your new information.
You can also call DHS at 1-800-332-6347 or visit your nearest Department of Social Services office in person to update your address. If you’re not sure where to find your nearest office, you can locate it here.
If you’re concerned that you haven’t gotten your new EBT card yet, call EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222.
