BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Maryland is expanding its outreach campaign to encourage Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders to activate new chip-and-tap cards before older magnetic-stripe-only cards are deactivated next month.
Gov. Wes Moore announced the next phase of the Maryland Department of Human Services’ campaign, called “Don’t Wait, Activate,” which includes targeted advertisements featuring the governor on Meta platforms.
As of Aug. 23, more than 294,000 of nearly 507,000 recipients — about 58% — had activated their new cards, according to the state.
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Customers have until Sept. 30 to activate the new cards. Their existing benefit balances will not change and will automatically transfer to the replacement cards, officials said.
Maryland became the fourth state in July to introduce EBT cards with EMV chip-and-tap technology.
State officials said the added security is designed to help protect benefits and customer information amid increased reports of card skimming and other theft schemes.
Everywhere we go, we hear from Marylanders struggling with the rising cost of living, so our administration is committed to providing relief to the communities that need it the most,” Moore said in a statement. “That’s why we are proud to be one of the first states to roll out these new cards and spread the word to ensure that Marylanders have secure access to the vital services they need to put food on the table.
DHS said customers can manage their accounts through the ebtEDGE Cardholder Portal or the ebtEDGE app, though creating an account is not required to activate a new card.
The department warned customers not to use third-party apps to manage benefits.
Those with questions or activation issues can call EBT Vendor Services at 1-800-997-2222. More information is available on the state’s EBT updates webpage.
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