Enhanced Cybersecurity for SNAP Act of 2026

Increased Security against Fraud: The transition to chip-enabled cards is designed to be resistant to cloning (Section 2(B)(ii)(A)(i)).

Improved Digital Access and Transparency: States must provide user interfaces that allow households to manage accounts, view transaction history for at least 12 months, and receive electronic notices of transactions (Section 2(B)(ii)(A)(ii)).

Protection for Vulnerable Households: States are required to maintain certain user interfaces, such as text message, voice telephone service, and non-digital options, to ensure households without computers or phones are not left out (Section 2(B)(ii)(A)(dd)(AA)).

Faster Access to Replacement Cards: If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged, states must ensure a replacement is provided within 3 business days (Section 4).

Reduced Financial Burdens for Card Issues: States are prohibited from charging fees for replacement cards when they are due to expiration, malfunctioning, or fraud committed by someone outside the household (Section 5).

Support for Local Food Access: A grant program is established to help eligible entities in areas with limited grocery access upgrade to chip-compatible payment technology (Section 2(B)(E)).

Mandatory Changes to Payment Technology: States will be required to reissue existing valid magnetic stripe EBT cards as chip-enabled cards, which may require households to transition to new card technology (Section 2(B)(ii)(A)(VI)).

Requirement for Retailers to Upgrade: Retail food stores and wholesale food concerns must have chip-enabled payment terminals to participate in the program (Section 6).