- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Orange County to Deactivate Magnetic Stripe-Only EBT Cards
Residents must switch to chip/tap-enabled cards by April 19 to continue accessing benefits.
Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:24pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The deactivation of magnetic stripe-only EBT cards in Orange County will require recipients to upgrade to more secure chip/tap-enabled cards, ensuring continued access to vital food and cash assistance.Orange TodayOrange County, California is deactivating magnetic stripe-only Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards on April 19, 2026. Residents must use chip/tap-enabled EBT cards to continue accessing food and cash benefits. Those who already have the upgraded cards do not need to take further action, while WIC and SUN Bucks cards will not be affected.
Why it matters
The transition to chip/tap-enabled EBT cards is a security upgrade to protect recipients from fraud. With the deactivation of magnetic stripe-only cards, Orange County is ensuring all EBT users have access to the latest fraud prevention technology.
The details
Residents who need to replace their magnetic stripe-only EBT cards can request a new chip/tap-enabled card by calling the EBT Helpline, visiting BenefitsCal.com or ebtedge.com, or contacting their local Social Services Agency office. To avoid long wait times, recipients are encouraged to use the BenefitsCal or ebtEDGE mobile apps. Social Services Agency offices in Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Cypress will also provide over-the-counter replacements.
- The magnetic stripe-only EBT cards will be deactivated on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The players
BenefitsCal
An online platform where residents can manage their EBT benefits.
ebtEDGE
A mobile app that allows EBT cardholders to access their benefits information.
Social Services Agency (SSA)
The local government agency in Orange County that administers EBT and other social services programs.
What’s next
Residents who need to replace their magnetic stripe-only EBT cards should act quickly before the April 19 deactivation date to ensure they can continue accessing their benefits.
The takeaway
The transition to chip/tap-enabled EBT cards in Orange County is an important security upgrade that will protect recipients from fraud and ensure they can continue accessing vital food and cash assistance programs.
