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Montgomery Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama Rolls Out Chipped EBT Cards Statewide
New cards offer enhanced security features for SNAP benefit recipients
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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The Alabama Department of Human Resources has announced that all EBT cardholders across the state will be receiving new chip-enabled EBT cards in the coming days. The new cards offer improved security and protection for SNAP benefits, requiring cardholders to activate the cards and unlock them for out-of-state or online purchases.
Why it matters
The rollout of chipped EBT cards statewide in Alabama is an important upgrade to the state's SNAP benefits system, providing enhanced security features to protect vulnerable residents' access to essential food assistance. The new cards are designed to reduce fraud and misuse of benefits.
The details
After a successful pilot program in December 2025, the Alabama Department of Human Resources is now mailing the new chip-enabled EBT cards to all cardholders across the state. Cardholders will need to activate the new cards by providing their card number, date of birth, zip code, 3-digit security code, and expiration date. The new cards are automatically set to block out-of-state and online purchases, requiring cardholders to unlock them through the ConnectEBT app, website, or customer service if they wish to make those types of transactions.
- The new chipped EBT cards are being mailed to all cardholders across Alabama in the coming days.
- Cardholders have 180 days to activate their new cards after receiving them.
The players
Alabama Department of Human Resources
The state agency responsible for administering SNAP benefits and overseeing the rollout of the new chipped EBT cards.
Nancy Buckner
Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, who stated that the new cards offer better protection for SNAP benefit recipients.
What they’re saying
“I am so pleased to finally bring this instrumental change to our EBT cardholders statewide. After a successful pilot program, we have shown that these new cards are easy to use and offer much better protection for the benefits. I am pleased that with this chip technology upgrade, our clients can have more confidence that their benefits will be there when they purchase groceries. This is not the end; we will continue to work and develop new and innovative ways to better protect our clients and their benefits.”
— Nancy Buckner, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Human Resources (cullmantribune.com)
What’s next
The Alabama Department of Human Resources recommends that all EBT clients continue to lock their cards through the ConnectEBT app when not in use, and to avoid swiping the new chipped cards, as the chip is the most secure and effective option.
The takeaway
The rollout of chipped EBT cards in Alabama represents an important step forward in protecting vulnerable residents' access to essential SNAP benefits. The new cards offer enhanced security features to reduce fraud and misuse, giving cardholders greater confidence that their benefits will be available when they need them.
