Alabama Unveils New Chipped SNAP Cards to Curb Benefit Theft

Over $16 million in SNAP benefits stolen in Alabama from 2023 to 2025, with $10 million stolen in just the first three months of 2025.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has introduced new chipped SNAP benefit cards designed to prevent theft after millions of dollars in benefits were stolen over the past few years. According to the USDA, over $16 million in SNAP benefits were reported stolen in Alabama from 2023 to 2025, with $10 million of that occurring between January and March of 2025 alone. The new chip card will only work in Alabama, adding an extra layer of security to prevent its use in other states.

Why it matters

The high rate of SNAP benefit theft in Alabama has led to significant financial losses for the state and the federal government, which previously covered the cost of stolen benefits. The new chipped cards are an effort to curb this criminal activity and ensure SNAP benefits reach those who need them most.

The details

The new chipped SNAP cards introduced by the Alabama DHR feature an embedded chip that makes the cards more secure and less vulnerable to skimming devices used by thieves. Users will also be able to lock their cards when not in use and unlock them for out-of-state purchases through a new mobile app. According to SNAP director Brandon Hardin, the old magnetic stripe cards were easily targeted by thieves, often resulting in beneficiaries waking up to find their benefits stolen.

  • From 2023 to 2025, over $16 million in SNAP benefits were reported stolen in Alabama.
  • Between January and March of 2025, over $10 million in SNAP benefits were stolen.
  • From April to June of 2025, only $625,000 in SNAP benefits were stolen, which officials attribute to the new security measures.

The players

Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)

The state agency responsible for administering SNAP benefits in Alabama and introducing the new chipped SNAP cards.

Brandon Hardin

The SNAP director for the Alabama DHR, who explained how the old magnetic stripe cards were vulnerable to theft.

USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees the SNAP program and reported the high rates of benefit theft in Alabama.

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What they’re saying

“Usually in the middle of the night, somewhere in Bronx, New York. And they were skimming all their benefits. And when they'd wake up in the morning, their benefits would be gone.”

— Brandon Hardin, SNAP director, Alabama DHR (WAFF)

What’s next

The Alabama DHR plans to continue monitoring the effectiveness of the new chipped SNAP cards and mobile app in reducing benefit theft across the state.

The takeaway

The high rate of SNAP benefit theft in Alabama has led to significant financial losses, prompting the state to take action with the introduction of more secure chipped cards and a mobile app to help beneficiaries better protect their benefits. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing fraud and theft in government assistance programs and the importance of implementing robust security measures to safeguard taxpayer funds.