(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — A new app from the Arkansas Department of Human Services will provide SNAP beneficiaries additional tools to help securely manage benefits and protect accounts from scammers.

As part of a transition to a new vendor managing the state’s SNAP EBT cards, the ebtEDGE New app will launch in Arkansas later this month. The app can be downloaded now, and Arkansas SNAP beneficiaries can begin linking their accounts and managing their benefits using the new platform on Monday, July 27.

The ebtEDGE New app also allows SNAP beneficiaries to see real-time balances and transaction details, lock their EBT card when it’s not in use, and block out-of-state purchases.

“The security of our SNAP beneficiaries’ accounts is a top priority at DHS, and this new app includes helpful features to lock out would-be thieves and protect benefits,” said Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations. “We are excited to provide these additional safeguards to help Arkansans keep their benefits secure, and urge all SNAP beneficiaries to plan on downloading and using this tool.”

SNAP beneficiaries should download ebtEDGE New only from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or by visiting ar.gov/snap for verified download and setup instructions. Beneficiaries should avoid unofficial websites or apps to manage EBT benefits or check balances, as scammers may use tools like this to victimize families.

The app is part of the transition from Conduent to FIS as the vendor responsible for issuing and managing EBT cards in Arkansas. Beneficiaries’ existing cards will continue to work under the new vendor, though new cards with chip technology will be issued in the future as part of this change.

The transition will also require an overnight full SNAP system outage beginning at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. During this outage, no transactions will be possible and accounts will not be accessible through app, website, or phone. The system will be restored on Sunday, July 26.

The ebtEDGE New app complements the AR SNAP Companion app, a separate DHS app that helps identify SNAP eligible food items. AR SNAP Companion is not affected by this change, and it will continue to be available for use and download. The ebtEDGE New app replaces the ConnectEBT app, which is being retired for Arkansas users.

For information about the transition, setup instructions, and to download the ebtEDGE New app, visit ar.gov/snap.