BOSTON – Massachusetts is moving forward with the adoption of chip and tap-enabled Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, which will enhance security measures to better prevent theft across the system, including for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Massachusetts would become the third state in the country to implement this important tool to prevent theft and ensure taxpayer dollars are protected.
According to a release, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has started notifying Massachusetts retailers to prepare for this upcoming change by updating their Point-of-Sale system to accept the new chip and/or tap EBT cards. The Department of Transitional Assistance will begin piloting chip and tap-enabled EBT cards later this year.
“Massachusetts is taking action to protect families and the programs they rely on to afford groceries and other essential goods,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new chip-enabled EBT cards will strengthen protections against theft and make sure this support is going to the people who need it. We’re one of the first states in the nation to adopt this new technology because protecting taxpayer dollars is a top priority for us, and we thank retailers and clients in advance for working with us to implement this.”…