Quick Answer
Maryland EBT customers who received the new chip-and-tap card should activate it as soon as it arrives. Maryland DHS says legacy magnetic-stripe-only EBT cards will stop working on September 30, 2026. Activation requires selecting a new PIN. Benefits, balances and the normal deposit schedule do not change because of the card replacement.
What should you know before activating?
Maryland is replacing older Electronic Benefits Transfer cards with newer cards that include chip-and-tap technology. The change is intended to improve security and reduce exposure to skimming and other forms of card theft. The Maryland Department of Human Services says customers should activate the replacement card as soon as they receive it rather than waiting for the September 30 deadline.
This is a card-security transition, not a change to the amount of eligible benefits on an account. Maryland says the current balance and benefit deposit schedule remain unchanged. When the new card is successfully activated or used in a qualifying way, the old card is deactivated. Any remaining legacy magnetic-stripe-only cards are scheduled to stop working on September 30, 2026.
To activate the replacement card, follow the instructions mailed with the card. Maryland DHS also lists EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222 as an activation and support route. During activation, create a new PIN. Do not assume that the PIN from the previous card will automatically be the PIN for the replacement card. DHS specifically warns that failing to complete the new PIN step may cause problems accessing benefits.
After activation, keep the new card secure and destroy the old one. Maryland recommends cutting through the magnetic stripe of the old card. Never give a PIN, full card number or security information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. A legitimate card transition does not make unsolicited requests for sensitive credentials safe.
If the new card has not arrived, verify that DHS has the correct mailing address. Maryland provides several ways to update information, including ebtEDGE, the DHS call center and local Department of Social Services offices. Customers may be asked for proof of their current address. Do not wait until the final days before September 30 if the replacement card is missing.
The ebtEDGE app or cardholder portal can be useful for account management. Maryland says registering for ebtEDGE is not required simply to activate the replacement card, so customers should distinguish card activation from optional online account management.
If an old card stops working after the new card has been activated, that can be expected. Maryland says the legacy card is automatically deactivated following successful use or PIN selection for the replacement card. Trying to alternate between the two cards is therefore not the correct approach.
If the new card itself does not work after activation, confirm that PIN selection was completed and contact the official EBT support number printed on the card or listed by Maryland DHS. Avoid websites or phone numbers from unsolicited text messages. For the current deadline, card instructions and assistance, use Maryland’s official EBT updates page.
For account security, use only the official provider website, authenticated mobile app, or a telephone number printed on the card or official correspondence. Never share a PIN, password, one-time security code or full card details with an unexpected caller or through an unverified activation link.
This guide was checked against official information available on September 20, 2026. Deadlines, eligible categories, merchant definitions, activation methods and program terms can change. If information inside your authenticated account differs from a general guide, follow the current instructions supplied by the official provider.
What are the key activation details?
| Check | Details |
|---|---|
| Topic | Maryland EBT Card Activation 2026 |
| Status | Current guidance checked September 20, 2026 |
| Action | Verify and complete activation through the official provider |
| Security | Never enter credentials on an unverified activation page |
How can you activate safely?
- Start with the official website or authenticated app.
- Read the current eligibility and activation terms.
- Complete every required activation or category-selection step.
- Verify the confirmation in your account.
- Check merchant exclusions before relying on a rewards rate.
Which related activation guides can you read?
- Chase Freedom Flex Q4 2026: Activate 5% Categories
- Discover Q4 2026 5% Categories: Activate & Earn
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Q4 2026 Categories: How to Activate
TL;DR
Maryland EBT customers who received the new chip-and-tap card should activate it as soon as it arrives. Maryland DHS says legacy magnetic-stripe-only EBT cards will stop working on September 30, 2026. Activation requires selecting a new PIN. Benefits, balances and the normal deposit schedule do not change because of the card replacement. Verify the latest terms through the official provider before taking action.
Last checked: September 20, 2026.
