On behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, I am pleased to share that the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is rolling out new chip/tap-enabled EBT cards to all clients, replacing the current magstripe-only cards. This marks a major shift in how one access and protect their benefits, and DTA is encouraging constituents to activate their new cards as soon as they arrive in the mail.

DTA and its EBT vendor have mailed a chip/tap EBT card to clients across Massachusetts throughout August. Clients do not need to visit a Transitional Assistance Office (TAO) or call DTA to get one. If you do not have a working card, you can request one through DTA Connect, the EBT Customer Service line (800-997-2555), or by visiting a TAO.

It's easy for you to activate the card: You can either make a purchase with the new card or call the number on the back to set a new PIN. Either action activates the new card and automatically deactivates the old one. You should do this as soon as they get their card and not wait. You have 60 days before the old, non-chip card is automatically deactivated, and DTA is tracking activations daily.

Please visit mass.gov/EBT for more information.