Chesterfield Gets New Secure EBT Cards to Combat Benefit Fraud

TL;DR: Chesterfield County is among the first Virginia localities to receive newly redesigned EBT cards with chip-and-tap security features, chosen because it experienced the seventh-highest benefit theft losses in the state.

The story

Chesterfield County has been selected as one of 22 initial Virginia localities to receive redesigned Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards equipped with chip-and-tap security technology. The rollout begins in October 2026, with all Virginia SNAP recipients expected to receive the new cards by December 31, 2026.

The selection of Chesterfield, grouped administratively with adjacent Colonial Heights, reflects the county's significant experience with benefit fraud. According to Virginia Department of Social Services data, Chesterfield and Colonial Heights recorded approximately $220,000 in SNAP theft losses, the seventh-highest total among Virginia localities. Richmond, also included in the initial rollout, experienced nearly $164,000 in theft (tenth-highest statewide).

The new cards replace traditional magnetic stripe technology with embedded microchips that generate unique, encrypted codes for each transaction, making the cards far more difficult to skim or clone. The dual-interface design allows cardholders to either insert the chip or tap to pay, with tapping offering the strongest protection against fraud. The new cards also include updated expiration dates and three-digit security codes for online purchases and PIN management.

Criminal "skimming" involves placing illegal devices on ATMs or card readers to capture account information from the magnetic stripe. Governor Spanberger stated the initiative aims "to make sure families have secure, accessible support and are protected from bad actors." Virginia is the eighth state to adopt chip-enabled EBT cards and the fifth to support both tap-and-insert transactions. California reported an 83 percent decline in SNAP theft after implementing chip cards in January 2024, and Alabama has reported similar results.

SNAP recipients do not need to take any action; the new cards will be mailed directly to the address on file with their local department of social services.

Key players

• Governor Abigail Spanberger: Announced and is overseeing the statewide EBT modernization initiative
• Virginia Department of Social Services: Implementing the chip-card rollout and managing SNAP benefits distribution
• Duke Storen: Commissioner, Virginia Department of Social Services

Key dates

• 2026-10: Initial distribution of new chip-and-tap EBT cards begins
• 2026-12-31: All Virginia SNAP recipients expected to receive new EBT cards

Why it matters: Chesterfield residents receiving SNAP benefits will gain protection against account theft as the county battles one of the state's highest rates of benefit fraud. The new technology safeguards assistance intended for eligible families, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.

Places

• Chesterfield County
• Colonial Heights

Related links

• Virginia Department of Social Services - EBT Chip Card Modernization Initiative
• Virginia Chip Card Information

Read the original at The Richmonder →

Sources

• Facing high levels of benefit theft, Richmond and Chesterfield among first to get new, more secure EBT cards
• Virginia rolls out more secure EBT cards to curb SNAP benefit theft
• Gov. Spanberger announces rollout of more secure chip and tap EBT cards
• Virginia Department of Social Services - EBT Chip Card Modernization Initiative