Will my remaining EBT balance disappear when my CalFresh benefits end?

The good news is that any funds already loaded onto your EBT card are yours to keep and use, even after your CalFresh case closes! The money doesn't disappear or get taken back when your benefits end. You can continue using whatever balance remains on your card until it's gone. Just keep in mind that EBT benefits do expire if they're not used within 9 months of being issued, but that's plenty of time to use them up.

They WILL take it back! My cousin had like $340 left when her calfresh ended and they closed her account and she couldn't access ANY of it!! The government doesn't let u keep ANYTHING they didn't earn. Call RIGHT AWAY before they discontinue you!!!!!

I actually just went through this exact situation last year! The previous comment is correct - any money already on your EBT card stays there for you to use even after your CalFresh benefits stop. I had about $175 left when my case closed, and I was able to use it for almost 2 months afterward with no problems. Just keep your physical EBT card in a safe place because they won't issue a replacement once your case is closed. Also, make sure you know your PIN because you won't be able to reset it easily after discontinuance.

The physical card expiration date is different from your benefits. Your EBT card might say 2029, but that's just when the physical card expires. Your benefits will still work until you use them or until they expire after 9 months of non-use (this is per benefit issuance, not all at once). So benefits added in January expire in October if unused, February benefits expire in November, etc.

Wait cnat you just reapply? If your in a bad situation financially why not just fill out the recertification? My worker told me that even if you dont think youd qualify you should still apply cause sometimes they can give other resources too. Just asking cause it sounds like you might still need the help?

Ugh, the CalFresh system is so confusing sometimes. I had a similar question last year and spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to my county worker for an answer. Kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. I eventually found a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes. They basically call CalFresh for you and then connect you when they reach a human. Saved me hours of frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Definitely worth it if you need to talk to someone about your specific case.

mines been closed for 6 monts and i still have money on it i use it sometimes for milk and bread, the moneys urs once they put it on there!

One more thing to be aware of: when your case closes, you won't have access to the EBT website/app to check your balance anymore, so make a habit of keeping your receipt when you use the card. The receipt shows your remaining balance. You can also still call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card to check your balance by phone even after your case closes.

Just wanted to add that you can also check your balance at most ATMs using your EBT card, even after your case closes. This is helpful if you don't want to make a purchase just to see your balance on a receipt. Most grocery stores and banks have ATMs that accept EBT cards for balance inquiries. Just make sure to use ATMs that don't charge fees for balance checks!

Thanks