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Aspen Institute Financial Security Program Launches Pilot Program to Protect Families From EBT Theft

Aspen FSP, with support from JPMorganChase and AARP Foundation, will support several state agencies to modernize technical safeguards for EBT cards

Washington, DC, August 24, 2026 — Today, the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (Aspen FSP), in partnership with JPMorganChase and AARP Foundation, announced the launch of an innovative pilot program to help states adopt new technological safeguards to protect SNAP participants from Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card theft.

EBT theft is increasing and evolving. Every year, families across the country who rely on SNAP to put food on the table and access other essentials lose millions of dollars to criminal activity. Preventing this theft is critical to protecting families and safeguarding public resources from those seeking to exploit benefits programs. As states begin to implement changes to SNAP, it is essential that they have the tools to prevent theft.

Beginning in 2026, Aspen FSP is supporting several state agencies as they explore, design, implement, and evaluate real-time transaction blocking pilots. Across financial services, real-time transaction blocking—which prevents suspicious transactions and alerts card users—is regarded as a best practice and has contributed to significant reductions in credit and debit card fraud. However, this technology is not yet available to the millions of families who use EBT cards to purchase food and other essentials. Expanding this safeguard can help states stop theft before it happens.

“Protecting EBT benefits from theft is about protecting both families and public resources,” said Tim Shaw, Director, Benefits Transformation Initiative, Aspen FSP. “The technology to stop suspicious transactions already exists and is widely used in financial services. States should have access to these proven tools to prevent theft, safeguard taxpayer-funded benefits, and help ensure families can use those benefits to put food on the table.”

“Benefit theft can have an outsized negative impact on families already facing financial challenges, putting critical resources at risk when they are needed most,” said Mercedeh Mortazavi, Head of Financial Health, Global Philanthropy, JPMorganChase. “Addressing these threats requires an ecosystem-wide response that brings together government, industry, nonprofits, and technology partners. JPMorganChase is proud to support the Aspen Institute’s Real-Time Transaction Blocking pilot to eliminate fraud and theft of government benefits as part of a broader effort to test innovative, scalable approaches that help prevent fraud and scams before they occur. By working together, we can build a safer and more resilient financial system that helps expand financial security and opportunity for all.”

Following the initial state cohort in 2026, Aspen FSP plans to add additional states on a rolling basis, with the goal of demonstrating the value of this technology and helping make these protections available to as many EBT cardholders as possible nationwide.

Learn more about the pilot program here.

This work is funded by JPMorganChase and AARP Foundation.

Note: This press release was updated on September 3, 2026, to include new partner information.

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About the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program (Aspen FSP)

The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s mission is to illuminate and solve the most critical financial challenges facing American households and to make financial security for all a top national priority. We aim for nothing less than a more inclusive economy with reduced wealth inequality and shared prosperity. We believe that transformational change requires innovation, trust, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. Aspen FSP galvanizes a diverse set of leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to solve the most critical financial challenges. We do this through deep, deliberate private and public dialogues and by elevating evidence-based research and solutions that will strengthen the financial health and security of financially vulnerable Americans. To learn more, visit AspenFSP.org, join our mailing list at as.pn/subscribe, and follow The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program on LinkedIn.

About the Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus in Aspen, CO, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Contact: Jon Purves
Media Relations Director
Aspen Institute
[email protected]