Can I use my California CalWORKs/CalFresh benefits after moving to Texas?

technically ur supposed to report moved withen like 10 days i think. but ur fine to use ur benefits that were already issued before you report the move. they cant take those away from u. just make sure you DO call on monday like you said.

You need to understand how the reporting requirements work. For CalWORKs, you're required to report a change of residence within 10 days of the move. However, since you just signed your lease yesterday, you're still within that reporting window. Regarding your benefits that are about to be issued: 1. For CalFresh - Yes, you can use your remaining CalFresh benefits even in Texas. The EBT card works across state lines. This is considered your entitled benefit for the current period. 2. For Cash Aid - This is a bit more complicated, but generally, benefits that were issued before you report the move are still yours to use. However, keep in mind that when you report your move on Monday, they will likely discontinue your case immediately since interstate moves make you ineligible. The most important thing is that you DO report the change on Monday as planned. This shows good faith on your part. Use the benefits that load before you report - that's not fraud since you're reporting within the required timeframe.

I work with benefit recipients and can confirm that benefits issued prior to reporting your move are yours to use. You're required to report within 10 days of the move, which you're planning to do. However, be prepared for a couple of things on Monday: 1. Getting through to a real person at the CalWORKs office can be extremely frustrating. Many people spend hours on hold or get disconnected repeatedly. If you're having trouble, you might want to try Claimyr.com - I've had clients use it to get through to benefits workers without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE 2. When you do report, the worker will likely ask when you physically moved. Since your move is very recent and you're reporting promptly, you shouldn't have any issues. 3. Ask about the transition process to Texas benefits. Sometimes there's a way to coordinate between states to minimize gaps in coverage. Don't worry about using benefits that were already issued or are about to be issued before you report. That's not fraud.

Your NOT supposed to use your benefits in another state!!! My sister got in BIG trouble for this when she moved to Arizona! They made her pay everything back and she almost got charged with fraud!!!! BE CAREFUL!!

When I moved from CA to Nevada last year, I was in a similar situation. I called my caseworker and specifically asked about this. They told me that any benefits loaded BEFORE I reported my move were mine to use, but my case would be closed once I reported moving out of state. I honestly think the system is designed with the understanding that people need to use their benefits during transition periods. I used my remaining CalFresh balance in Nevada for about 2 weeks after moving while I got settled, and there were no issues. Just make sure you do make that call on Monday. Document the date and time of your call and get the worker's ID number for your records. Sometimes the county can be disorganized with these things.

No, I didn't have to repay anything. The benefits that loaded before I reported my move were considered mine to use. The case worker explained that the requirement is to report within 10 days, and as long as you do that, you're following the rules. What they don't want is people continuing to collect California benefits for months while living in another state. That would be fraud. But using your last payment during the transition is normal and expected.

also dont forget to apply for TX benefits right away!!!! theres usually a waiting period before u get approved so u dont wanna have a gap where u dont have any help. TX has different rules than CA so make sure u check what the requirements are there

Texas has YourTexasBenefits.com - thats where u apply. its kinda like the CA website but the benefits r different. Cash aid is called TANF there and its WAY less money than CalWORKs. Also they have stricter work requrements i think

Just to add some useful information for your transition: 1. In Texas, the SNAP program (their version of CalFresh) and TANF (their version of CalWORKs) are administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. 2. Their application process can be completed online at YourTexasBenefits.com or in person at a local office. 3. Texas has a one-time TANF benefit called "One-Time TANF" that might help during your transition if you're not planning to receive ongoing assistance. 4. Texas has much stricter work requirements for TANF than California does for CalWORKs, and the benefit amounts are typically lower. 5. The time limit rules are also different - Texas has a 60-month lifetime limit for TANF (compared to California's 48-month limit for CalWORKs). When you apply in Texas, make sure to tell them you were previously receiving benefits in California. While your eligibility will be determined under Texas rules, they should be able to verify your information more easily.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I feel much better about using my benefits that are about to be issued. I'll definitely call California on Monday to report my move and apply for Texas benefits right away. Really appreciate all of you taking the time to respond!

I went through something similar when I moved from California to Oregon a few months ago. The anxiety about using benefits during the transition is totally understandable, but you're doing everything right by planning to report on Monday. Just wanted to add a few practical tips for your call: - Try calling right when the office opens (usually 8 AM) to avoid the worst of the hold times - Have your case number, SSN, and new address ready - Ask for a confirmation number or reference number for your report - Request they send you a written confirmation of your case closure Also, when you apply in Texas, bring documentation of your California benefits history if you have it. Sometimes it helps speed up the process. The transition period is stressful enough without worrying about benefit rules - you're handling this the right way!

I can share some insight on the timeline since I went through Oregon's system. It took about 2-3 weeks to get approved for SNAP benefits, but I was able to get emergency food assistance within a few days of applying since I explained my situation (recent move, benefits ending in previous state). For cash assistance (TANF), it was closer to 4 weeks because they had to verify employment history and do more thorough eligibility checks. Texas might be different, but most states have some kind of expedited process if you're in immediate need. One thing I wish I had done was apply for Texas benefits BEFORE calling California to report my move. That way you could potentially time things better to minimize the gap. But since your CA benefits are loading soon, you should have some cushion to get through the Texas application process. Also, don't be surprised if the Texas application asks for way more documentation than California did. Every state has different requirements, and Texas tends to be pretty thorough with their verification process.

Yes, Texas does have emergency assistance programs! They have something called "Emergency Assistance" which can provide one-time help with things like rent, utilities, or food if you're in crisis. There's also the "Texas Emergency Food Assistance Program" that can help bridge gaps while you're waiting for SNAP approval. When you apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, make sure to indicate that you need expedited processing due to your recent move and limited resources. They're supposed to process expedited SNAP applications within 7 days if you qualify (which you likely will given your situation). For documentation, you'll typically need: ID, Social Security cards for everyone in your household, proof of income (or lack thereof), rent receipts or lease agreement, and bank statements. Since you just moved, explain that you're in transition - they should be understanding about not having all Texas-specific documents yet. One more tip: some Texas counties have local food banks and assistance programs that don't require the same waiting periods as state benefits. It might be worth googling "[your county] emergency food assistance" to see what's available locally while you wait for your application to process.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share that I went through a very similar situation when I moved from California to Nevada about 6 months ago. The stress and confusion you're feeling is totally normal! You're absolutely doing the right thing by planning to report your move on Monday. I used my remaining CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits for about 10 days after my move while I got situated, and there were zero issues because I reported within the required timeframe. One thing I learned that might help you: when you call on Monday, ask the caseworker to email you a confirmation that you reported your address change. Some counties are better at documentation than others, and having that email saved me when there was a small hiccup with my case closure paperwork later. Also, definitely start your Texas application ASAP - even today if possible. I made the mistake of waiting until after I reported to California, and ended up with a 3-week gap in food assistance. Texas processing times can vary by county, so the sooner you apply, the better. You've got this! The transition period is always stressful, but it sounds like you're handling everything correctly.

I'm going through a similar situation right now - moved from California to Arizona last month and was terrified about using my benefits during the transition. After reading all these responses, I feel so much better knowing this is normal and legal as long as you report within the timeframe! One thing I wanted to add that helped me: I actually took screenshots of my EBT balance before and after I reported my move, just to have a record of what benefits I used versus what was issued after my case was closed. Probably overkill, but it gave me peace of mind. Also, Arizona's application process was surprisingly smooth once I got all my documents together. The hardest part was just getting over the anxiety of starting fresh in a new state system. You're being so responsible by planning to report on Monday and asking these questions ahead of time. The transition is tough but you're handling it exactly right!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who works with interstate benefit transfers regularly. You're getting great advice here! The key points are absolutely correct - benefits issued before you report your move are yours to use, and reporting within 10 days shows you're following the rules. One additional tip: when you call California on Monday, ask if they can provide you with a "benefit history" or "case summary" document. This can be really helpful when applying in Texas, as it shows your previous eligibility and benefit amounts. Some states use this information to expedite processing for interstate transfers. Also, Texas does have a "presumptive eligibility" process for certain situations that might apply to you. When you apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, make sure to mention you're transitioning from California benefits due to a recent move. They have protocols specifically for people in your situation. You're handling this transition perfectly - being proactive, asking the right questions, and planning to follow all the reporting requirements. The stress you're feeling is completely normal, but you're doing everything right!