Moving out of California with active CalWORKs - what happens to my EBT card and benefits?

You definitely need to report this to your worker ASAP - moving out of state is considered a mandatory mid-period report for CalWORKs. Your benefits won't transfer automatically to Arizona. Each state has their own TANF program with different rules and benefit amounts than California's CalWORKs. If you don't report the move, it could potentially be considered an overpayment that you'd have to pay back later.

When I moved to Nevada in 2023, I made the HUGE mistake of not telling my worker until after I left. They kept putting money on my EBT card for almost 2 months b4 figuring it out, and then I got hit with a $1450 overpayment notice!!! DONT DO WHAT I DID! You need to submit a written notice (I think it's called the AR 3) saying you're moving out of state. ALSO make sure you apply for benefits in Arizona right away because there might be a waiting period.

Are you going to be able to get ahold of your worker tho?? I've been trying to reach mine for WEEKS about a change and can't get through. Always on hold for hours then disconnected! might be smart to just go to the office in person if possible since ur on a deadline

i moved frm cali to texas last year an what u need 2 do is tell ur worker AND return the ebt card to the county office they told me its technically state property n ur not allowed to take it to another state

Make sure you submit your change report in writing and keep a copy with proof that you submitted it. You can do this through BenefitsCal online or by filling out the AR 3 form (Address and Change Report). This proves you reported the move in case there's any confusion later. Arizona calls their cash aid program "Cash Assistance" and it's part of their TANF program. Their benefit amounts are generally lower than California's, so be prepared for that. You'll need to apply as soon as you get there - benefits don't transfer between states. Also important: make sure you spend down any money on your EBT card before you leave California. Those funds won't disappear immediately when you report your move, but it's better to use them while you're still a CA resident to avoid any complications.

Just went thru this!!! When u move to a diff state u start ALL OVER with there system. It took me almost 6 weeks to get approved for benefits in my new state and they required different paperwork then CA did. Make sure u save some money if u can cuz there might be a gap between ur CA benefits ending and AZ benefits starting. Also AZ might have different rules about WTW (welfare to work) requirements so ask about that right away.

Wait why r u even telling them??? just keep getting the benefits till they catch on. My cousin moved to Oregon and kept using her Cali benefits for like 4 months before anyone noticed. Free money!!

Good luck with your move and helping your sister! Just want to add that when you apply for Arizona's Cash Assistance program, you'll need to do it through their Department of Economic Security (DES). They have online applications, but you might want to call ahead to see what documents you'll need to bring since requirements can be different from California. Also, ask your CA worker if they can provide you with a letter showing when your benefits ended - this might help speed up your Arizona application since it shows you're not getting duplicate benefits. The whole process is stressful but you're doing the right thing by reporting everything properly!

I moved from California to Utah last year while on CalWORKs and learned this the hard way - definitely report your move BEFORE you leave! I waited until after I got to Utah and it caused so many problems. My CA benefits got terminated immediately once I reported, but Utah's application process took almost a month. The gap was really tough financially. One thing that helped me was calling Arizona's DES office before I would have moved to ask about their application process and what documents to bring. They told me I could actually start the application process online before arriving, which saved some time. Also make sure to get copies of all your CA paperwork (verification of income, rent receipts, etc.) because Arizona will want to see recent documentation even though you're starting fresh with their system. The benefit amounts are definitely different too - Arizona's cash assistance is lower than CalWORKs, so budget accordingly. But you're absolutely doing the right thing by asking these questions and planning to report everything properly. Your sister is lucky to have you looking out for her!

Just want to echo what others have said about reporting this ASAP - I work at a county eligibility office (not as a worker but in admin) and I see these situations all the time. The key thing is getting that written notice submitted before you move, even if it's just a few days before. You can submit the AR 3 form through BenefitsCal online which gives you a confirmation receipt, or you can email it to your worker if they accept email submissions. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you ask your CA worker about any outstanding requirements you might have, like work participation hours or appointments. Sometimes when people move out of state with incomplete requirements, it can affect their ability to get benefits in the new state if there's a "sanction" that follows them. Arizona will likely ask if you've ever been sanctioned or had benefits terminated in another state. Also, keep all your documentation from the move organized - lease agreements, proof of when you reported the change, etc. If there are any questions later about overpayments or timing, having that paper trail will protect you. Good luck with everything and I hope your sister's health improves!