How many days until CalFresh account becomes inactive? Need to check my EBT urgently!

You don't have to worry about your EBT card becoming inactive just from not using it. The benefits themselves stay on your card for 274 days (about 9 months) from the date they were issued. After that time, they'll expire and be removed from your account. But your actual case doesn't close from inactivity - only if you miss recertification or don't submit your SAR7 form on time.

Just make sure u didn't miss any SAR7 or recertification while in hospital becuz THATS what will make ur case close, not just not using the card. Call ur worker if ur not sure!!

Former county worker here. Two separate issues to understand: 1) BENEFITS EXPIRATION: Unused benefits expire after 274 days from when they were issued. So benefits added in January would expire in October. 2) CASE CLOSURE: Your case closes if you miss reporting requirements (SAR7 or recertification), NOT from card inactivity. If you missed your SAR7 while hospitalized, call immediately and explain. They can often accept a late SAR7 with good cause (hospitalization definitely qualifies) up to 30 days after the discontinuance date.

I was in a similar situation last year when I was taking care of my mom in another state. Try using Claimyr.com - it's a service that holds your place in the CalFresh phone queue and calls you when a worker is available. Saved me hours of wait time when I needed to reinstate my benefits. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Not to be that person, but the rules actually changed in 2025. While benefits still expire after 274 days, there's now a new alert system that flags accounts with 90+ days of inactivity for potential fraud review. It doesn't close your account, but you might get a verification request letter. Happened to my cousin last month.

my card once went unused for like 6 months when i was overseas caring for my sick mother and all my benefits were still there when i got back. just had to update my address at the county office cause i moved after. the money doesnt go away unless its been on there like forever (the 274 days others said

The CalFresh handbook actually states that benefits remain available for 274 days from the date of issuance. After that period, benefits are automatically expunged from your account, but your eligibility status remains unchanged if you've kept up with your reporting requirements. Your card will never become "inactive" just from non-use. If you missed submitting your SAR7 due to hospitalization, this constitutes "good cause" and you can request the county reinstate your benefits without a new application if you contact them within 30 days of discontinuance. Make sure to have documentation of your hospital stay ready.

So glad to hear you got it sorted out! For anyone else who might find themselves in a similar situation, it's worth knowing that hospitals can sometimes help with paperwork if you're a long-term patient. The social worker at my hospital helped me submit my disability forms when I was there for 3 weeks. They're used to dealing with benefit issues for patients. Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

I'm a social worker and deal with CalFresh cases regularly. Just want to emphasize that hospitalization is definitely considered "good cause" for missing deadlines. When you call, specifically mention that you were hospitalized - don't just say you were "unable to submit forms." The magic words are "good cause due to hospitalization" as this triggers specific protections under the regulations. Also, if you have any discharge paperwork or hospital wristbands, keep those as backup documentation. Counties are generally very understanding about medical emergencies, but having the right documentation makes the process much smoother. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

I'm so relieved to see this thread - I was in a similar panic when my dad was in the ICU for 6 weeks last year and I completely forgot about my CalFresh reporting. The advice about using the specific phrase "good cause due to hospitalization" is spot on. I also want to add that if you're still in recovery and having trouble getting to the county office, many counties now accept documentation by email or fax. When I called, they let me email photos of my hospital discharge papers and insurance statements showing the dates I was admitted. It saved me from having to make the trip while I was still weak. Also, don't feel bad about accumulating benefits while you were unable to use them - that's exactly what the program is designed for, to be there when you need it most. Focus on your recovery and getting the nutrition you need now!

Just want to add another reassuring voice here - I work at a food bank and we see this situation fairly often. Hospital stays, family emergencies, and other life crises can definitely derail people from their normal benefit routines, but CalFresh is designed with these realities in mind. The 274-day benefit expiration window gives people plenty of time to recover and get back on their feet. I'm really glad to see how helpful this community has been in sharing practical advice like using Claimyr and knowing the right phrases to use with county workers. For anyone reading this thread in the future who might be in a similar situation, don't hesitate to reach out to local food banks too - we can often provide emergency food assistance while you're working through benefit issues, and many of us have staff who are familiar with navigating CalFresh problems. Wishing everyone here good health and food security!

As someone who went through a similar experience when I had surgery last year, I just want to echo what others have said about not panicking. The system really is designed to handle these kinds of life disruptions. One thing I learned that might help others - if you're going to be in the hospital for an extended period, you can actually designate an authorized representative (like a family member or trusted friend) to handle your CalFresh paperwork on your behalf. They just need to fill out a form and provide ID. This could prevent missing deadlines in the first place. Also, many hospitals have patient advocates or social workers who are familiar with benefit programs and can help coordinate with county offices if needed. I'm so glad you got everything sorted out and that this thread turned into such a helpful resource for others who might face similar situations!