Do CalFresh EBT benefits roll over month to month and work out-of-state?

Yes, your CalFresh benefits DO accumulate from month to month! Unlike some other benefit programs, CalFresh rolls over the unused balance. The only thing to be aware of is that if you don't use your EBT card at all for 9 months, your account could become inactive. For out-of-state usage - yes, you can absolutely use your California EBT card in other states. The EBT system is nationwide, so most grocery stores and authorized retailers in Arizona will accept your card. Just make sure to keep your PIN secure when traveling.

my bennifits rolled over for like 6 months when i was saving up for a big costco trip last yr. ended up with like $1200 on my card lol. and ya u can use it in other states, i use mine when i visit my mom in nevada all the time. just dont try to buy hot food with it most places wont let u

Be careful about accumulating too much! I've heard people say that having a high balance month after month can trigger a review of your case because they might think you don't actually need the benefits. Not sure if that's 100% true, but that's what the lady at my county office warned me about when I mentioned I was saving mine up. As for using it in other states - yes technically it works, but I had problems in Nevada once where my card got temporarily locked because the system flagged it as suspicious activity. Had to call the EBT customer service line to unlock it.

I've used my CA EBT card in 5 different states over the past year and never had any issues. The nationwide system works pretty seamlessly. The benefits definitely roll over month to month, and there's actually no official limit to how much you can accumulate. That said, remember that your eligibility is reviewed every 6 months with the SAR7 form and then annually at recertification, so maintain eligibility regardless of your balance. One tip: before traveling, make sure your address and contact info are up-to-date on your BenefitsCal account, just in case there are any issues and the county needs to reach you while you're away.

When I was using calfresh I had SO MUCH TROUBLE reaching anyone at the county when my card wasn't working out of state!!! I was visiting my parents in Oregon and my card got declined even though I had plenty of benefits. Called the number on the back and they said I needed to talk to my county worker but I LITERALLY COULD NOT GET THROUGH!!! Spent 3 hours on hold before getting disconnected. Ended up having to borrow money from my parents for groceries which was exactly what I was trying to avoid 😡😡😡

Regarding balances: Yes, CalFresh benefits roll over indefinitely, with no limit on how much you can accumulate. The system adds new benefits to your existing balance on your scheduled issuance date each month. Regarding out-of-state usage: The EBT system is nationally interoperable, meaning your California EBT card will work at SNAP-authorized retailers in all 50 states. However, be aware that if you're absent from California for more than 30 days, you should notify your county office as it could potentially affect your residency status for benefit purposes.

anybody know if hawaii accepts ebt? going there next month lol

Was just checking my balance on the app and saw they're changing the benefit amounts for 2025. Anyone else notice their amounts increased slightly? Maybe that's why OP is asking about accumulation...

Welcome to CalFresh! I remember being just as confused when I first started. Everyone here has given you great advice. Just wanted to add that you can check your balance anytime by calling the number on the back of your card or using the ebtEDGE mobile app - super helpful when you're planning trips or shopping. The app also shows your transaction history so you can track your spending. One thing I wish someone had told me early on is to keep your receipts, especially if you're saving up benefits like some folks mentioned. It just helps you stay organized. Hope your trip to Arizona goes smoothly!

Just wanted to add that if you're planning to use your EBT card while traveling, it's a good idea to let your county office know beforehand, especially for longer trips. I learned this the hard way when my card got temporarily flagged during a family visit to Texas. A quick call to my caseworker before traveling could have prevented that headache. Also, some smaller grocery stores in rural areas might not be as familiar with out-of-state EBT cards, so it's helpful to have a backup plan just in case. Most major chains like Walmart, Safeway, etc. should have no issues though. Safe travels and enjoy your time with your sister!

Hey Amara! Congrats on getting approved for CalFresh! 🎉 I see you've gotten tons of great advice already. Just wanted to share one more tip since you mentioned you're new to the program - if you ever need to update your information or report changes, you can do a lot of it online through BenefitsCal instead of having to call or visit the office. Super convenient! Also, since you're thinking about saving up benefits for bigger shopping trips like someone mentioned with Costco, don't forget that CalFresh can be used at farmers markets too if you want to get fresh produce. Many markets even have programs that match your EBT dollars for fruits and veggies. Enjoy your trip to Arizona and welcome to the community!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also keep your EBT card secure while traveling - treat it like a debit card! If it gets lost or stolen while you're out of state, you'll need to call the customer service number immediately to report it. They can usually rush a replacement card to you, but it might take a few days which could leave you in a tough spot while traveling. I always make sure to have the customer service number saved in my phone before any trips, just in case. Also, some states have different rules about what you can buy with EBT (like energy drinks or certain prepared foods), so don't be surprised if something that works in California gets declined elsewhere. Have an amazing time visiting your sister!