Moving to Colorado with active CalFresh benefits - will EBT work across state lines?

You definitely need to report your move as soon as possible, even before your next SAR7. Interstate moves require immediate reporting since CalFresh eligibility is state-specific. Your CA benefits will end when you're no longer a CA resident, but you can apply in Colorado right away - they call it SNAP there, not CalFresh. Each state has different income limits and benefit calculations, so you'll need to do a completely new application. Your EBT card will work across state lines for any remaining benefits, but no new benefits will be added once you're no longer a CA resident.

We moved from CA to Washington last yr and had to start over completly. The EBT card worked fine to spend what was left but ya gotta apply in new state. In WA they approved us in like 10 days it was way faster than when we applied in CA.

I think you need to cancel your CalFresh and reapply in Colorado as soon as you move there. Benefits don't transfer. Had a friend who didn't report moving and ended up with an overpayment later that they had to pay back. BUT you should keep using your benefits until the move! Just tell them when you're moving and they'll stop them that month. Colorado's program actually has higher income limits I think so you might even get more?

Just make sure you have enough food for like a month because sometimes these things take FORREVER to process. When I moved between counties in California it took 45 days to get benefits!! And thats in the same state!! Good luck with the move tho

To answer your specific questions: 1. You MUST report your move out of state immediately - this is considered a mandatory mid-period report for CalFresh. Call your county office. 2. Yes, you can use remaining benefits on your CA EBT card in Colorado, but they won't add new benefits after you're no longer a CA resident. 3. No transfer process exists between states. Each state administers SNAP independently. Important: Apply for Colorado SNAP as soon as possible after moving. You can usually start the application process online even before you physically move - just explain your situation. Have documentation of your new address ready (lease, utility bill, etc.).

Omg I went thru this EXACT same thing when I moved to Nevada!! It was such a mess, I reported my move to California but they kept my case open for like 2 extra months and then I got a letter saying I owed them money back!!! And Nevada took forever to open my case. Tottally apply for SNAP in Colorado at least 2 weeks before u move if you can!!!! The whole process is SO STUPID why cant they just transfer our files between states???

One more thing - when you apply in Colorado, make sure to mention you're currently receiving CalFresh in California. This won't transfer your benefits, but it does indicate to Colorado that you're already familiar with the program and have been determined eligible in another state, which can sometimes help with the verification process. Also, make sure to formally close your California case by contacting your county office and providing your moving date. This creates a clear end date for your California benefits and prevents potential overpayment issues.

I forgot to mention if u have kids look into there free school lunch program 2. Its different in every state but my kids got approved for free lunch right away when we moved even b4 our SNAP was approved.

Just went through this exact situation last year when we moved from CA to Texas! A few things that helped us: 1) I called my CA county office about 3 weeks before our move date to give them a heads up - they said this was perfect timing. 2) I applied online for Texas SNAP the day we got our new lease signed, even though we hadn't moved yet. 3) Make sure to screenshot or save your current CalFresh case details before you close it - Colorado might ask for proof of your previous benefits. Also, don't stress too much about the income limits - Colorado's SNAP program is pretty generous compared to some other states. The whole process took about 2 weeks for us in Texas, which was way better than the horror stories I'd heard. You've got this!

Hey Madison! I just went through this exact situation when I moved from CA to Arizona last fall. Here's what worked for me: Call your CA county office ASAP (don't wait for SAR7) and give them your exact move date. I called mine 3 weeks ahead and they were super helpful. Your EBT card will definitely work in Colorado for any remaining balance. For Colorado SNAP, I'd recommend applying online about 2 weeks before you move - they'll need your new address but you can explain you're relocating. Also, keep all your CalFresh paperwork! Colorado asked me for my previous benefit history during their application process. One thing that really helped - I stocked up on non-perishables the month before moving using my CA benefits, which bridged the gap perfectly. Colorado's processing time was actually faster than CA's was initially. You'll do great, and Denver has amazing food resources too if you need backup during the transition!

I went through this same situation 6 months ago moving from California to Oregon! Here's what I learned: definitely report your move immediately - don't wait for the SAR7. I made the mistake of waiting and it created confusion with my case. Your California EBT will work in Colorado for existing benefits, but like others said, no new benefits once you move. For Colorado SNAP, I'd suggest calling their office directly after you apply online - they were super helpful and walked me through exactly what documents I needed. One tip nobody mentioned: if you have any CalFresh overpayments or issues on your CA case, resolve those BEFORE you move because it can complicate your new state application. Also, Colorado has some great food banks in Denver if you need help during the transition period. The whole process was less scary than I thought it would be once I got organized with all my paperwork. You've got this!