Sacramento County residents who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards will be the first to experience a significant shift in how they access their benefits. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has started to phase out old magnetic stripe cards in favor of the more secure chip-and-tap technology, as reported by ABC10. According to the CDSS, the replacement is a security upgrade intended to prevent unauthorized access to cardholders' accounts.
For those currently holding the magnetic stripe EBT cards, they need not fret over the transition process. "Your benefits and PIN will automatically transfer to the new card," as per the update from ABC10. CDSS emphasized that once the new chip-enabled card is activated, the old card will be rendered inactive, therefore, it's critical for cardholders to activate their new cards upon receipt.
The mailed new chip-enabled EBT cards should have reached all eligible Sacramento County residents by now. If you have not received your new card, the CDSS advises using the ebtEDGE mobile app to request one, as noted by FOX40. Alternatively, for assistance, cardholders can reach out to the EBT Customer Service Center at 1‑877‑328‑9677, or if necessary, they can visit their local county office, although they warn that wait times might be extended.
In the event that a cardholder fails to take action, the current magnetic stripe EBT card will continue to function up to a certain point. Without a chip-and-tap card activation, the validity of the old card extends for 180 days after the new card's issuance, or until the cutting over to the new technology is complete. For additional support or information, cardholders can also visit the EBT Client Website at ebt.ca.gov or get in touch with the Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance at ha.saccounty.gov.
