The L.A. County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Tuesday for the Department of Public Social Services to prepare a report detailing the steps for the state implementation of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) chip cards, how it will track down current beneficiaries, and how it will reach unhoused individuals.

EBT cards replaced what were once known as “food stamps” years ago.

Earlier this year, the Department of Social Services announced that it would begin issuing EBT cards with chip/tap technology. The transition from old cards to new technology is expected to be implemented by the end of summer, a move that Supervisor Solis called a creative solution to tackle the continuing criminal enterprise involving skimming devices.

Solis stressed the need for new technology, noting that EBT-related fraud has continued to grow despite previous intervention efforts by the county, including a recent measure directing the DPSS to provide nearly $1.1 million in the fiscal year 2024-2025 to the District Attorney’s Office to increase enforcement.

The theft of public assistance via EBT skimming has become a nationwide issue, with federal, state, and county government agencies taking urgent action to address the problem.

EBT cards have been targeted by scammers using skimming technology, stealing millions of dollars in benefits. Skimming thefts increased from $951,511 in 2021 to $63.1 million in 2023. Between January and April of this year, more than $20.8 million has been taken, according to the motion authored by Supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn.

“We work too hard to push the state to get the appropriate chip technology, and then in California, [with] the state of innovation, it’s ridiculous that benefits are still being provided on this antiquated technology,” said Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who represents a portion of the Westside. She added, “Forty-five percent of the thousands of calls we get monthly are about DPSS, and the vast majority are about skimming. DPSS does a great job to reload, but there’s still a delay, and if you are relying on CalFresh to feed your family, a day can make a significant difference in your ability to feed your family.”

The report requested by the board is expected to be presented in 45 days, addressing specifics on the transition to new cards, tracking down current beneficiaries, and how it will reach unhoused individuals.

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Attorney Andrew Kazakes said during public comment how he has “Seen firsthand how heinous it is for individuals and households, and the chip tab is a very welcome upgrade.”

“I’m particularly supportive of the motion focused on unhoused individuals being able to receive their new EBT cards,” said Kazakes. “The state’s current plan is to include deactivation of the old EBT card just 45 days after mailing and this is going to lead to many people losing access to their benefits if they didn’t receive the mail, and an increase in urgent requests for DPSS in office card replacements. So this motion will help to ensure that DPSS is prepared and gives the appropriate outreach to the community.”

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