Maryland's Big Move to Protect Benefits Cards

Maryland is taking significant steps to safeguard the financial resources of families in need. The state is allocating $38 million to modernize their EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which are crucial for accessing food and housing benefits.

The Problem with Old Cards

The outdated EBT cards, which relied on magnetic strips, were vulnerable to hacking. Since 2023, criminals exploited this weakness, stealing a staggering $43 million.

The Solution: Chip Technology

The new EBT cards will feature chip technology, which is far more secure than magnetic strips. This upgrade is expected to drastically reduce the risk of fraud.

Collaboration and Timeline

Maryland is partnering with Fidelity Information Services to develop and issue the new cards. The goal is to have the upgraded cards ready by July 1, 2026, with the contract extending until June 2031.

Impact on Beneficiaries

This update is crucial for the 943,000 Maryland residents who depend on these benefits. Nearly 700,000 of them use the cards for food assistance through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

Questions and Future Outlook

While the upgrade is a positive move, it raises questions about the delay in addressing the issue and the long-term security of the new cards. Only time will tell if the new system will be fully secure. For now, it's a step in the right direction.