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June 23, 2026

 

An Important Message from the MA DTA to All EBT Authorized Retailers

Dear Retailer,
 
As many of you know, DTA is rolling out new chip/tap EBT cards, starting with a pilot in the Worcester area in July 2026 and a full statewide rollout starting in August 2026. Here are some key dates related to this implementation:
 

  • Worcester area: Retailers in the Worcester area should prepare to start accepting chip/tap EBT cards starting on JULY 8th. Chip/tap EBT cards will be issued to cardholders in the Worcester area from approximately July 8th – July 22nd.
  • Statewide: All retailers statewide should prepare to accept chip/tap EBT cards starting on JULY 27th. Chip/tap EBT cards will be issued to cardholders statewide from approximately July 27th – September 2nd, with the bulk of cards being issued starting in mid-August.

 
Ahead of chip/tap EBT card distribution, all retailers should take the following steps:
 

  • Confirm your readiness level with your Point of Sale (POS) provider. You should confirm whether you are Chip/Tap Ready, ECL Fallback, Magnetic Stripe Ready, or Not Ready and the procedure to complete a transaction using a chip/tap EBT card at your POS terminal(s).
  • Train your cashiers. This is very important for a smooth process at checkout for cardholders and your staff. Make sure your cashiers know how to complete a transaction at your POS terminal with the new chip/tap EBT card. Refer to DTA’s Cashier Training Guide for suggested training content, including:
    • Chip/tap EBT cards will look slightly different from current non-chip EBT cards. Both can be used during the transition.
    • Cashiers need to instruct customers how to use their new chip/tap EBT card at check out.
    • If your store requires cardholders to swipe, as opposed to insert or tap, the card is not broken or defective.
    • Cardholders still need to enter their PIN for every transaction.
  • Post signage promoting chip/tap EBT card usage. Retailers are encouraged to post DTA-provided signage in their store locations promoting the new chip/tap EBT cards. We encourage you to post this signage in your store windows and/or on your POS terminals. Please do not post these signs until the following dates:
    • Worcester area retailers should post signage on July 20th.
    • Statewide retailers should post signage on August 10th.

 
Visit www.mass.gov/EBTforRetailers for resources to prepare for this change. If you have questions or need additional support, contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for helping us keep EBT transactions safe for the families who depend on them.

Sincerely,
Department of Transitional Assistance