Do CalFresh benefits expire at month-end? Just approved but confused about January EBT balance rollover

Good news! Your CalFresh benefits DO roll over month to month. They stay on your EBT card for 274 days (about 9 months) before they expire. So don't worry about rushing to spend them all before January ends - that's a common misconception. You can budget and use them however works best for you over time.

when i got mine aproved they told me the same thin but its not true you dont lose them, they stay on ur card for like 9 months or somethin. the county reps sometimes dont explain stuff right

To clarify what others have said: CalFresh benefits roll over month-to-month and remain valid for 274 days from the date they're issued to your EBT card. What the letter is probably referring to is that January's benefits must be issued by January 31st (the last day they can deposit that month's allocation), not that you must spend them by that date. Your benefits are typically deposited on the same day each month based on the last digit of your case number. You can check your balance and deposit date through the BenefitsCal app, by calling the number on the back of your EBT card, or online at www.ebt.ca.gov once your card arrives. Also, don't forget to submit your SAR7 report when it's due (usually 6 months after approval) to keep your benefits active!

welcome 2 calfresh! the county is ALWAYS confusing with their paperwork lol. your benefits stay on your card for a long time so don't worry

I had the same confusion when I first got approved back in 2023! The wording on those notices is so misleading. Your benefits stay on your card for 9 months before expiring, but here's a tip: if you're ever having trouble reaching LA County DPSS to ask these kinds of questions (their phone lines are notoriously impossible), I've had great success using Claimyr.com. They get you through to a live worker without the ridiculous wait. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when I had issues with my recertification last month.

THEY LIE TO U!!!! I had worker tell me same thing and then I spent $437 in TWO DAYS buying stuff I didn't even need cuz I thought it would disappear!!! Then next month my normal amount was still there plus what I didn't use from the previous month. The whole system is designed to confuse people!!!!

when does ur ebt card come in the mail? mine took almost 2 weeks n i was gettin worried

I remember being so confused about this too! They really need to make their communications clearer. Did they tell you how much you were approved for? I got approved for $450/month for my family in 2024 but in 2025 it went up to $578 with the new COLA adjustments. Just curious what benefit levels are looking like for new applicants these days.

make sure you keep ur reciepts for a while just in case. sometimes they do random audits

One more important thing: when you do get your EBT card, make sure to set a PIN you'll remember, and keep your card in a safe place. If you lose your card, you can request a replacement through the BenefitsCal app or by calling the EBT customer service number, but there can sometimes be a delay in getting the new card. And remember that benefits can be used at most grocery stores, many farmers markets (where some offer matching programs that double your benefits), and even some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart for grocery delivery.

Congrats on getting approved! Just wanted to add that you can also check if your local grocery stores have any CalFresh incentive programs. Some stores like Whole Foods and certain independent markets offer 10% discounts on produce when you use EBT. Also, if you're ever unsure about what you can buy with CalFresh (like whether energy drinks or prepared foods are covered), there's a good USDA app called "SNAP Retailer Locator" that also has info about eligible items. Welcome to the program - it really does help with food security!