State of Alabama issuing new, chip-enabled EBT cards

The Alabama Department of Human Resources is issuing new, chip-enabled EBT cards to cardholders to use for government food benefits.

The new cards have been mailed to all cardholders, who should receive them in the coming days.

“I am so pleased to finally bring this instrumental change to our EBT cardholders statewide,” DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said. “After a successful pilot program, we have shown that these new cards are easy to use and offer much better protection for the benefits. I am pleased that with this chip technology upgrade, our clients can have more confidence that their benefits will be there when they purchase groceries.”

EBT cardholders will need to activate their new card when it arrives. To activate the chipped card, cardholders will now be prompted by EBT Customer Service to enter their card number, date of birth, zip code, 3-digit security code and the expiration date.

New cards must be activated within 180 days after issuance. After activating the new EBT card, cardholders should destroy the old card immediately.

DHR says all new cards are automatically defaulted to block out-of-state and online purchases. If a cardholder wishes to make a purchase outside of Alabama or online, they must first unlock their card via the ConnectEBT Mobile App, ConnectEBT website or the EBT Customer Service phone number.

Alabama DHR also recommends all EBT clients continue locking their card through the ConnectEBT app when it is not in use. Also, it is important that cardholders do not swipe these new cards. The chip is the most secure and effective option when using the card.

For EBT cardholders needing assistance with the new chip-enabled EBT card, please call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-8888.

— Information from the Alabama Department of Human Resources