Theft of CalFresh benefits costs recipients and the state millions of dollars. PILP and other organizations throughout the state worked with CDSS to roll out chip/tap cards which provide extra security as compared to the prior card technology. Consequently, California has significantly reduced EBT benefit theft—down 83% since early 2024—thanks to new anti-fraud technology and safeguards introduced by the state. These improvements have helped ensure public assistance benefits reach intended recipients while lowering costly reimbursements for stolen funds.