New EBT Chip Cards Are Coming to Virginia This Fall

Published on July 29, 2026

A more secure EBT card is on the way for Virginia SNAP participants, and the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS) wants to help you prepare. This fall, Virginia will start sending new chip-enabled cards to SNAP recipients throughout the state.

Arlington SNAP recipients should get their new cards in November. The cards help protect SNAP benefits from fraud and make shopping more secure. Your benefits and account balance won’t change—only the card technology is new.

What's Changing

The new cards work like most debit and credit cards. You can tap or insert them at checkout for added security.

Your benefits and account balance will automatically move to your new card. Your SNAP benefits will stay the same.

“SNAP benefits help families put food on the table. These new cards can make families feel more confident that their benefits are protected,” says Stephanie Hopkins, Food Security Coordinator at DHS.

How to Prepare

Hopkins encourages customers to prepare now. “Taking a few simple steps today, like updating your address and setting up ConnectEBT, can make the switch to your new card easier.”

• Your new card will be mailed to the address DHS has on file for you. To check or update your mailing address, call DHS at 703-228-1350.
• Set up a ConnectEBT account online or through the app (Google Play | Apple App Store). Use it to check your balance, manage your card, and lock or unlock your card to help protect your benefits.
• Watch for updates through ConnectEBT and official Virginia Department of Social Services communications.
• Keep your current EBT card until your new chip card arrives.

When Your New Card Arrives

When you get your new chip card:

1. Activate it.
2. Set a new PIN.
3. Use it wherever SNAP benefits are accepted.

Activate your new card as soon as you get it. Your current card will stop working when you activate your new one or 60 days after the new card is mailed.

Your new card will have an expiration date and a three-digit security code. You may need this information when shopping online or resetting your PIN.

Keep Your Benefits Safe

“The new chip cards add more security, but it's still important to protect yourself from fraud,” says Hopkins. Here are her tips for keeping your benefits safe:

• Never share your PIN. Change it often.
• Lock your card when you're not using it through ConnectEBT.
• Do not use third-party apps to manage your SNAP account. Only use ConnectEBT.
• Check your account regularly for transactions you don’t recognize.
• Contact the EBT Help Desk at 1-866-281-2448 if you suspect fraud or if your card is lost or stolen. They can deactivate your card and help you get a replacement.

Get Help

• Learn about the new EBT chip cards: Visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website or download the flyer in English and Spanish.
• Questions about your EBT card or the new chip cards: Call the EBT Customer Service Help Desk at 1-866-281-2448.
• Information about SNAP benefits and eligible purchases: Visit the Virginia EBT website.
• Questions about your SNAP account: Call 703-228-1350.

For Retailers

If your business accepts SNAP benefits, get ready now for the new EBT chip cards:

• Contact your payment system provider to make sure your equipment can accept the new cards.
• Test your equipment before the rollout to avoid checkout problems. This will help customers use their benefits without interruption.

For more information, visit the SNAP Retailer Information website, download the Chip Card Retailer Flyer, or email chipcard@dss.virginia.gov.