Minnesota SNAP households are seeing important updates in 2026 as the state strengthens protections against EBT theft and aligns with new federal rules. These Minnesota EBT security changes come at a time when card skimming and benefit theft have surged nationwide, leaving families without food money and states scrambling to respond.
Minnesota is now rolling out clearer reporting rules, improved fraud‑prevention guidance, and updated procedures for replacing stolen benefits. While these changes don’t include new chip cards or PIN requirements, they do give households more tools to protect their accounts. Here is what’s new and how it can help families keep their benefits safe and avoid unexpected disruptions.
Minnesota Is Implementing Federal Theft‑Replacement Rules for SNAP Benefits
The most significant of the Minnesota EBT security changes is the state’s adoption of federal rules allowing reimbursement for stolen SNAP benefits. Under federal law, states must replace benefits stolen through skimming, cloning, or phishing as long as the theft is verified.
Minnesota now follows this process, giving households a path to recover funds that were previously lost permanently. Families must report theft quickly and provide transaction details so investigators can confirm unauthorized use. This change offers meaningful protection for households hit by EBT fraud.
Households Must Report Stolen Benefits Within a Strict Federal Timeline
Minnesota is required to follow federal reporting deadlines for stolen benefits, and this is now one of the key Minnesota EBT security changes. Households must report suspected theft within 30 days of discovering it, and the state must issue replacements within 10 business days once the claim is approved. This timeline ensures families aren’t left waiting weeks or months for help. However, missing the reporting window may result in denied reimbursement, even if the theft is legitimate.
Minnesota DHS Is Warning Families About Skimming Devices at Retailers
While Minnesota has not introduced new card technology, the state is increasing public warnings about skimming, a major part of the Minnesota EBT security changes. DHS now urges households to inspect card readers, avoid loose or damaged machines, and shield keypads when entering PINs.
These warnings follow a rise in skimming incidents across the Midwest, where criminals attach hidden devices to steal card data. Minnesota is also encouraging retailers to monitor their equipment more closely.
Minnesota Is Promoting the Use of the EBT Edge App for Real‑Time Monitoring
Minnesota’s EBT system uses the national EBT Edge platform, and the state is now encouraging families to use the app more actively as part of the Minnesota EBT security changes. The app allows households to check balances, review transactions, and spot suspicious activity quickly. While the app does not send automatic text alerts, frequent monitoring can help families catch theft early.
DHS recommends checking accounts immediately after shopping and at least once per week. This simple habit can make a major difference in preventing losses.
Minnesota Is Updating Guidance on PIN Safety and Account Protection
Although Minnesota has not changed its PIN rules, the state is issuing stronger guidance on PIN safety as part of the Minnesota EBT security changes. Households are urged to avoid predictable PINs, change PINs regularly, and never share them with anyone—including friends, relatives, or store employees. DHS also warns families to avoid writing PINs on cards or storing them in wallets. These reminders reflect national trends showing that weak PINs are a major factor in EBT theft.
Minnesota Is Educating SNAP Households About Phishing Scams
Phishing scams targeting EBT users have increased nationwide, and Minnesota is responding with new educational outreach. These Minnesota EBT security changes include warnings about fake texts, emails, and phone calls claiming to be from DHS or EBT customer service. Scammers often ask for card numbers, PINs, or personal information—details that legitimate agencies will never request.
Minnesota is urging households to ignore unsolicited messages and report suspicious contacts immediately. Awareness is one of the strongest defenses against benefit theft.
Minnesota Is Streamlining the Process for Replacing Cards After Fraud
Minnesota DHS has updated its procedures to make it easier for households to replace compromised EBT cards. This is another important part of the Minnesota EBT security changes, especially for families who experience repeated theft.
Households can now request replacement cards more quickly through the EBT customer service line, and DHS encourages immediate PIN changes after suspicious activity. Faster card replacement helps prevent additional unauthorized transactions. Acting quickly is essential to protecting remaining benefits.
Minnesota Is Preparing for Future Federal Security Upgrades
While Minnesota has not yet adopted chip‑enabled EBT cards, the state is preparing for future federal requirements that may mandate stronger card technology. These upcoming improvements are part of a broader national effort to modernize EBT systems and reduce fraud.
Minnesota DHS has stated that it will follow federal guidance as new security tools become available. For now, the focus is on education, monitoring, and theft‑replacement rules. These steps lay the groundwork for more robust protections in the future.
Why These Changes Matter for Minnesota SNAP Families
The Minnesota EBT security changes give households better protection against theft, clearer reporting rules, and more support when benefits are stolen. While the updates don’t include new card technology, they do strengthen the state’s response to fraud and help families recover lost funds more quickly. Staying informed, monitoring accounts regularly, and following DHS safety guidance can help households keep their benefits secure.
Have you experienced EBT theft or noticed suspicious activity on your account? Share your story in the comments to help other Minnesota families stay informed.
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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