Will my EBT card be cancelled when transferring CalFresh case between counties in California?

Your EBT card should continue to work during the transfer process. The card itself is statewide - it's your case/benefits that transfer between counties. When I moved from Alameda to Orange County last year, my benefits continued without interruption. Just make sure you report your address change promptly. The new county will handle the case transfer through their internal system (CalSAWS), but your EBT account number stays the same. Any existing benefits on your card will remain available to you.

My card got shut off when i moved counties!!! Had to wait like 10 days with no access to my benefits. They said it was becuz my case was "in transit" or some BS. Had to borrow money from my sister for food. make sure u call them like every day to check the status

I've gone through this exact situation twice now. Your EBT card itself doesn't get cancelled - it's a statewide system. The funds already on your card will remain accessible. However, what can happen is a delay in your next month's benefits during the transfer process if the timing is off. Here's what you need to know: 1. Report your address change ASAP to both counties 2. Your case will need to be closed in Sacramento and reopened in San Diego 3. This transfer can take 1-30 days depending on workload and timing 4. Any existing balance on your card remains available during transfer 5. New benefits might be delayed until San Diego fully processes your case Make sure to get a receipt or confirmation number when you report your change!

ya dont worrie too much ur card will still work for watever money is already on it. its just the next month that might get messd up. make sure u keep ur reciepts from the old county that shows u reported the move

I moved from Riverside to LA County in 2024 and had SUCH a nightmare with my CalFresh transfer. My EBT card kept working for the money that was already on it, but my next month's benefits were delayed by 6 weeks! I called the county office literally 47 times and could never get through to a human being - always stuck in their automated phone system that eventually hung up on me. The only thing that finally worked was using Claimyr to connect with an actual worker. It's this service that gets you through the phone systems and connects you directly to a real person. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I actually got to speak with a live person, they discovered my case was stuck in some weird limbo between counties and fixed it that day. My benefits were loaded the next morning. Seriously saved my family from going hungry.

To directly answer your question about the EBT card during county transfers: 1. Your physical EBT card will continue to work - it's valid statewide 2. Any benefits already on the card remain accessible during transfer 3. Your 16-digit EBT card number stays the same 4. Your PIN remains unchanged 5. Benefits already issued to your account remain available for the full 12 months What can be affected during a county transfer: 1. Your next monthly issuance might be delayed if your case transfer isn't processed by your usual issuance date 2. You may need to complete additional paperwork for the new county 3. Your worker will change, so contact information needs to be updated Be sure to follow up with San Diego County if you don't receive confirmation within 5 business days of reporting your move. California's integrated eligibility system (CalSAWS) should make these transfers smoother, but delays can still occur.

I just remembered - when I moved counties last summer, they told me the transfer would take 2-3 days but it actually took 3 WEEKS! Make sure you have enough food or money saved just in case there's a delay with your next month's benefits. The existing balance stayed on my card just fine though.

make sure u tell them ur new address EVEN THO they can see it in the system cuz sometimes they dont update it right n then ur paperwork goes to the wrong place n u get cut off for not responding!!!!!

Just to add one more important detail - if your certification period ends during the county transfer process, you might need to complete a new recertification with your new county rather than finishing it with your old county. Make sure to ask about this specifically when you follow up with San Diego County. That's one of the few situations where benefits can be interrupted during a transfer.

I work for a CalFresh advocacy organization and can confirm what others have said - your EBT card will NOT be cancelled during the county transfer. The card is issued by the state, not individual counties, so it remains active statewide. Your $340 will stay accessible throughout the transfer process. However, I'd recommend taking these steps to protect yourself: 1. Get written confirmation of your address change - either email or a case number 2. Ask San Diego County for an estimated timeline for your case transfer 3. If possible, visit the San Diego office in person rather than just calling 4. Keep receipts from any grocery purchases in case you need to document hardship The biggest risk isn't losing your current balance, but potential delays in your next monthly issuance. With your move timing, you should be fine, but it's always good to have a backup plan just in case there are unexpected delays in the system.