Do CalFresh benefits transfer between states? Worried about losing my remaining EBT balance when moving

I went through this exact process when I moved from Arizona to California last year! Here's what you need to know: 1. Your Nevada benefits won't automatically cancel when you apply for CalFresh. The states don't communicate with each other in real-time about your benefits. You should use up your Nevada balance while applying for CalFresh - that's totally legal. Just don't receive duplicate benefits for the same month (like don't use Nevada benefits for June if you've been approved for June CalFresh). 2. You do NOT need a California ID to apply for CalFresh. Your Nevada license is perfectly fine as identification. You'll need to provide proof that you live in California now (lease, utility bill, etc), but your out-of-state ID works for identity verification. Make sure to report your move to Nevada's SNAP office so they can properly close your case there after your benefits end. Apply for CalFresh right away through BenefitsCal.com - the sooner you apply, the sooner you might get benefits, and they can be backdated to your application date.

YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL!! They charged me with an OVERPAYMENT when I moved from Oregon because I didn't report my move date correctly!!! I had to pay back $412 and it was a NIGHTMARE dealing with both states!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING and call Nevada SNAP office BEFORE you apply in California!!!!!

i moved from washington to cali 3 years ago and kept using my washington ebt until it ran out nobody said anything just applied for calfresh when i got here took like 3 weeks to get approved but they backdated it

Different states have different rules regarding SNAP benefits. While you won't necessarily lose your remaining Nevada balance immediately, you should report your move to Nevada within 10 days as it's a reportable change. You can use your existing Nevada EBT card and balance until either it runs out or your Nevada case officially closes. For California, you can apply with your Nevada ID - CalFresh doesn't require a California ID specifically. However, you will need to verify: 1. Identity (Nevada ID works) 2. California residency (lease, utility bills, etc.) 3. Income and resources 4. Other household circumstances Ideally, time your application so there's no gap in benefits, but also no overlap that might trigger overpayment issues. Apply through BenefitsCal.com and select the county you've moved to.

my sister had the same issue when she moved here from texas last summer... she had all kinds of problems getting through to the county office to explain her situation. she ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got her through to a real person at the CalFresh office in like 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 she said it was worth it because the worker was able to process her application faster once she explained she had just moved from another state. might be helpful for you too since your situation is time-sensitive!

I think you're mixing up two different things. The SNAP/food stamps program is state-specific. When you move to California, you'll be on the CalFresh program which is California's version of SNAP. It's not really "transferring" - you're closing one case and opening a totally new one. Most important thing: tell Nevada you've moved and apply for CalFresh immediately. There will likely be some gap between programs because California will need to process your application, but if you qualify they'll often provide benefits back to your application date. And no, your remaining Nevada balance won't disappear the moment you apply in California. That money is already allocated to you for the current benefit period.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! Just wanted to update that I called Nevada SNAP this morning and reported my move. They said my case will close at the end of the month but I can use my remaining balance until then. I've also started my CalFresh application online through BenefitsCal. I'm gathering all my documents (lease, final paycheck from Nevada job, job offer letter from new California employer) to upload. Hopefully this will go smoothly. If I run into problems getting through to someone at the county office, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Appreciate all the advice - this community is amazing!

WATCH OUT they might ask for a California address verification document!! Even though your Nevada ID is ok for IDENTITY they made me prove I actually lived in California with a lease AND a utility bill with my name on it!! If your utilities aren't in your name yet get a statement from your landlord!!!

Not sure if this helps but my cousin moved from california to arizona last year and he said he just waited until his california benefits ran out before applying in the new state. he said it was easier that way, no complications with reporting dates or whatever. just a thought

One additional piece of advice: When you contact Nevada SNAP, request an official closure letter stating when your benefits end. This document can be helpful if California asks about your previous benefits. Also, track exactly when you use your Nevada EBT for the last time, just in case questions arise later. CalFresh applications in California are typically processed within 30 days, though they may expedite it if you meet certain criteria (very low income/resources). Make sure to answer the expedited screening questions accurately during your application.

I went through a similar interstate move situation about 6 months ago (Florida to California) and wanted to share a few things that really helped me: First, definitely keep detailed records of all your communications with both states - dates you called, who you spoke with, confirmation numbers if they give you any. This saved me when there was confusion about my move date later. Second, when you apply for CalFresh, there's actually a question on the application about whether you're receiving benefits in another state. Be completely honest about your Nevada benefits - they'll appreciate the transparency and it helps them coordinate properly. Third, if you're worried about the gap between programs, check if you qualify for emergency/expedited CalFresh. Since you mentioned you won't get paid until next month, you might meet the criteria for faster processing (usually within 3 days instead of 30). Also, pro tip: Screenshot your Nevada EBT balance regularly so you have proof of what you had and when you used it up, just in case there are any questions down the road. Sounds like you're handling this really well though! The fact that you're being proactive and asking questions puts you way ahead of where I was when I moved.