After Millions in Stolen SNAP Benefits, Trump Administration Moves to Fight Theft
The Trump administration has announced plans to update the nation's food stamp payment system by requiring chips on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards, aiming to protect families from electronic theft. This move comes after a recent investigation revealed that $470 million in SNAP benefits were stolen from recipients last year due to outdated benefit-card technology. The proposed rule is seen as a major step forward in addressing this form of fraud.
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- ✓ The USDA announced plans to adopt more secure cards with microchips for SNAP benefits.
- ✓ $470 million in SNAP benefits were stolen from recipients last year.
- ✓ The proposed rule aims to modernize benefit cards to protect families from electronic theft.
What changed
The USDA announced a new rule requiring chip-enabled cards for SNAP benefits, a significant upgrade from the current technology.
Live updates
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USDA to Upgrade SNAP Cards with Chips to Fight $470M in Stolen Benefits
The Trump administration has announced plans to update the nation's food stamp payment system by requiring chips on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cards, aiming to protect families from electronic theft. This move comes after a recent investigation revealed that $470 million in SNAP benefits were stolen from recipients last year due to outdated benefit-card technology. The proposed rule is seen as a major step forward in addressing this form of fraud.
Why it matters
The upgrade is crucial as SNAP benefits are often targeted by organized crime groups due to the current cards' vulnerability. The Department of Agriculture's decision follows repeated failures by Congress and the USDA to upgrade Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards nationally. This change is expected to significantly reduce the number of stolen benefits.
What is confirmed
- The USDA announced plans to adopt more secure cards with microchips for SNAP benefits.
- $470 million in SNAP benefits were stolen from recipients last year.
- The proposed rule aims to modernize benefit cards to protect families from electronic theft.
What to watch next
- Implementation date of the new chip-enabled SNAP cards
- Effectiveness of the upgraded cards in reducing theft
- Reaction from Congress and advocacy groups on the proposed rule
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (17)
- www.newsweek.com — Correction policies and requests
- ProPublica — After Millions in Stolen SNAP Benefits, Trump Administration Moves to Fight Theft
- Supermarket News — USDA finally takes a stand on SNAP card skimming
- PoliticsNY — Liu, Rozic encourage NY retailers to update technology to accept new chip-and-tap EBT cards
- The Foundation for Government Accountability — FGA Applauds USDA Proposal to Protect Food Stamps From Skimmers and Thieves
- Nextgov/FCW — Chip reader technology for SNAP is a worthy investment
- Queens Daily Eagle — Queens officials tout new EBT cards to prevent SNAP benefit theft
- www.breitbart.com — Apple Articles - Breitbart
- sexandpoliticsandscreedsandattitude.blogspot.com — Sex and Politics and Screeds and Attitude: pubilsher edythe eyde (and general hospital)
- gardnermagazine.com — Greater Gardner MA Local News October 2026 – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
- www.chilkatvalleynews.com — After Millions in Stolen SNAP Benefits, Trump Administration Moves to Fight Theft - Chilkat Valley News
- www.propublica.org — Trump Administration to Require Chips on SNAP Cards
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