Conduent to Launch EMV Chip-Enabled SNAP Cards for Alabama Food Assistance
Conduent has entered a collaboration with Alabama’s Department of Human Resources to implement EMV chip-enabled SNAP benefit cards statewide. The new secure card platform aims to prevent EBT fraud by encrypting cardholder transactions and improving real-time authorization across the state’s food assistance system.
1. Partnership Overview
Conduent has secured a contract with Alabama’s Department of Human Resources to modernize the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by issuing EMV chip-enabled EBT cards. This partnership extends Conduent’s government services portfolio and positions the company as a key provider of secure payment solutions for public assistance.
2. EMV Chip Technology
The new SNAP cards incorporate industry-standard EMV technology to encrypt transaction data on-card and require dynamic authentication for each purchase. This approach significantly raises the barrier for counterfeit or cloned cards, targeting the estimated $100 million annual EBT fraud nationwide.
3. Deployment Timeline and Benefits
Rollout is scheduled to begin in mid-2026 with phased distribution to over 600,000 beneficiaries. Alabama expects reduced fraud losses, faster transaction approvals at retail outlets and enhanced audit capabilities once the system is fully operational.