The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is introducing new, more secure Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Between July 13 and July 31, all EBT cardholders should receive a new card by mail at their address of record.
These new cards use EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) chip and tap technology, similar to other credit or debit cards that you may have. This added card security helps protect your information and makes it harder for thieves to steal your benefits. Your benefits amount will not change, and your current balance will safely carry over to your new card.
When your new EBT card arrives, the cards will look like this:
When your new card arrives, please activate it
Follow the instructions included in your envelope to activate your card. You will need to create a new PIN when you activate your card. This will be done as part of the card activation. Your benefits will stay the same. Once activated, use your new card to access your benefits.
To help prepare for getting your new card, please:
Please have proof of your current address ready. Examples of documents include a valid government-issued ID, lease agreement, rent receipt, mortgage statement or recent utility bill with your name and address.
Beware of scams: Do not share your card information or PIN with anyone. State staff will never call or text you to ask for your EBT card number or PIN. The official state EBT website will never ask for your card number or PIN on its first page. Watch out for fake websites that look like the official EBT site. If you get suspicious calls, texts, or links asking for your EBT details, do not reply or enter any personal information.
New Features & Frequently Asked Questions
Your SNAP and cash benefits are sent to you on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Fidelity Information Services (FIS) is MD DHS’s partner that helps manage your benefits and EBT cards.
ebtEDGE is the new online portal that Maryland EBT cardholders will use to manage their benefits. This is where you can view your account balance, see when your next deposit will come in, and use features like freeze and unfreeze. You will need to register for a new account on the ebtEdge Cardholder Portal or by downloading the ebtEdge app. iOS / Android.. If you’re having trouble, start with these step-by-step instructions.
The correct app to download is called ebtEDGE and has an egg icon.
Please do not download the “ebtEDGE NEW!” app.
Starting on May 18, 2026, a new option from FIS allows cardholders to protect your EBT benefits if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. This is called the “Freeze Card feature.” On Connect EBT, this was called locking and unlocking.
The “Freeze Card feature” lets you stop your card from being used for any purchases. You can access this feature on the ebtEDGE portal online or on the Mobile App. When your card is “frozen” it cannot be used for any purchases until you “unfreeze” the card. This means any transactions at a point-of-sale device, online purchases, and/or ATM withdrawals will not work.
You can freeze and unfreeze your card through the ebtEDGE Mobile App or through the Cardholder Portal. You can also call EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222 to freeze and unfreeze over the phone.
Contact EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222.
We are planning to mail new chip/tap cards to cardholders in July. Please check this website for updates.
No. When you get your benefits will stay the same. This change only affects the security and technology behind the card, not the amount or when you get your benefits.
Chip EMV/Tap cards are being mailed out to all cardholders in stages. All customers should receive their new cards by July 31, 2026.
Cards are being mailed out daily. If you don’t receive a chip card by August 7, please call EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222.
We will send instructions with the new card so you can activate it. Once you have activated your new card, make sure you destroy your old one. You can do this by cutting through the magstripe on the back of the card.
Once we have mailed you your new card, your old card will stop working in about 30 days. Please make sure you activate it as soon as you get it!
Your old card will automatically deactivate when you do one of the following with your new EMV card:
Any successful transaction on a POS including purchase, withdrawal, balance inquiry, reversal and return.
Any successful transaction on an ATM.
Any successful transaction via the Internet including balance inquiry and purchase.
Successful PIN Select via Automated Response Unit (ARU).
Successful PIN Select via ebtEDGE mobile application or cardholder portal.
