New EBT Card Locking Feature Helps Fight SNAP Benefit Theft
Sadie Parker
Published Sep 15, 2025
Check out: Food Stamps: Clarifying Your Most Crucial Questions
How Are States Fighting Fraud?
States such as Connecticut and Pennsylvania are taking steps to stop benefit theft. They have added a new feature that lets people lock their EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards when they aren’t using them.
This makes it much harder for thieves to steal money from people’s accounts.
- In Connecticut, thieves stole over $6 million in benefits between October 2024 and March 2025. Because the federal government doesn't refund stolen SNAP benefits, the state made it possible for users to lock their EBT cards and stop out-of-state purchases.
- In Pennsylvania, people can use the ConnectEBT app to control their cards. Users may lock the card completely or just block it in other states. There’s also an option to set the card to lock automatically after 30, 60, or 90 minutes of not being used.
Tips to Keep Your Benefits Safe
Authorities suggest these steps to protect your benefits:
- Change your card’s PIN every month.
- Use a PIN that is not easy to guess.
- Check card readers before using your card.
- Never share your card number or PIN.
- Report anything suspicious right away.
- Lock your card at night or anytime you don’t plan to use it, since most thefts happen early in the morning.
How to Use the Card Locking Feature
To use the new locking feature:
- Download the ConnectEBT app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log in to your account.
- Choose the “Lock/Unlock Card” option.
- Decide if you want to lock your card fully or only for out-of-state use.
- Set the auto-lock time if you want.
You can also change your PIN and watch your transactions from the app or the official website.
-
Subscribe to secure your food stamps and learn more about this government benefit.
Related Articles
View all posts
SNAP Benefits' Tax Implications in 2026...
Many people who get help from the government wonder if it will affect their taxes. A common question for SNAP recipients is whether food stamps must be listed as income on a 2026 tax return. Are SNAP (food stamp) benefi...
When Will SNAP Payments Be Sent Out in February 2026?...
SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also called food stamps) helps millions of Americans buy food every month. Payments for February 2026 will be sent out according to each state's schedule. Ev...
Grocery Stores That Accept EBT (SNAP Benefits) in 2026...
If you receive SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps), you can use your EBT card at many grocery stores across the United States. Most big grocery chains and supermarkets accept EBT in their stores, and some al...
Do States Ever Give Extra Food Stamps?...
Many people wonder if states ever give out extra food stamp benefits (SNAP). Usually, states do not provide extra SNAP money, but there are special situations where you might notice a change in your benefits or get help that may loo...
SNAP Bans on Sodas and Candy Begin in Five States...
This week, a significant change has started for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the United States. New rules are now in effect in five states, blocking the use of SNAP benefits to buy soft drinks, ...
When Will January 2026 SNAP Payments Arrive?...
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, helps around 42 million Americans with limited or no income buy groceries each month. People who receive SNAP use an Electronic Benefit Transf...
