Moving out of state with CalWORKs & CalFresh - do benefits transfer or need to cancel?

You'll need to close your California benefits and apply in Nevada. Each state runs their own programs with different rules, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts. Unfortunately there's no way to transfer your case between states. The most important things to do: 1. Report your move to your CalWORKs office ASAP (you're required to report within 5 days) 2. Ask them specifically about your final month of benefits - sometimes they can prorate for part of the month 3. Apply for Nevada benefits as soon as possible - you can actually start this process before you move Nevada's cash assistance program is called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and they also have SNAP (food stamps). The application process and benefit amounts will be different.

when i moved 2 arizona last yr i just stoped using my EBT in cali and applyed in AZ. didnt tell cali anything lol. took about 3 weeks 2 get approved in AZ but it was fine

When I moved from CA to Oregon, I had to cancel all my CA benefits and apply in my new state. You DEFINITELY need to tell your CalWORKs office you're moving - if you keep collecting benefits after you've moved, that's fraud and can cause serious problems. I'd recommend calling Nevada's TANF office before you move. Their requirements might be different from California's. For example, some states have stricter WTW (Welfare to Work) requirements or different income limits. Also, benefit amounts vary A LOT between states - Nevada's cash aid is lower than California's in most cases. One thing to consider: if you're only temporarily moving to take care of your mom, that might affect your eligibility in Nevada. Make sure to clarify if your move is permanent or temporary when you apply.

If you're having trouble reaching your worker, try using Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to my county worker when I was trying to report changes to my CalWORKs case. They connect you with a real person at the benefits office without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. Worth trying since you have a deadline to report your move!

EVERY STATE IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!! Don't assume ANYTHING about Nevada's programs based on what you get in California. I moved from Cali to Nevada 3 years ago and was SHOCKED at how different everything is. Benefit amounts are lower, wait times for approval can be longer, and their work requirements are stricter!! You need to contact Division of Welfare and Supportive Services in Nevada ASAP and start your application process. Their system was WAY more frustrating than California's IMO. And yes, you MUST cancel California benefits before you move. They'll make you pay everything back if you collect benefits after moving!!!

To be very clear about the process: you need to submit a Mid-Period Report or SAR 3 form to your California worker stating your permanent change of address and that you're moving out of state. Specify your move-out date. This will trigger case closure. If possible, try to time your move near the end of your benefit month so you don't lose partial benefits. Nevada may take 30 days to process your application, so apply online before you physically move if possible. Also, don't forget about other benefits that will need to be transferred/reapplied for: - Medi-Cal (you'll need to apply for Nevada Medicaid) - Any childcare assistance - Any housing assistance Your CalWORKs 48-month time clock stops when you leave California, but time used on TANF in Nevada will count if you ever return to California.

i moved from california to texas last year and let me tell u it was a MESS. i told my worker i was moving and my benefits got cut off right away but then texas took almost 2 months to approve me!!!! we had no food assistance for weeks. make sure u have some savings if possible to cover the gap. and yes the benefit amounts are different, i got way less in texas than california. also remember u have to report within 10 days of moving or they can charge u with fraud. don't forget!!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I was able to reach my worker (finally!) and she confirmed I need to submit a written statement about my move. She said my case will close the end of the month I move, and I need to apply in Nevada right away. I'm going to start the Nevada application online this weekend, and I found their TANF office phone number to call with questions. Sounds like I should prepare for lower benefits and a possible gap. Not what I wanted to hear but at least I know what to expect now. Does anyone know if Nevada requires an in-person interview for TANF? California did when I first applied.

Just wanted to add about Nevada Medicaid since you asked - they do emergency Medicaid coverage that can start immediately for urgent medical needs, but regular Medicaid can take 30-45 days to process. If your daughter has ongoing medical needs, try to get her records transferred and maybe schedule appointments right after you move to avoid gaps in care. Also, Nevada has different county offices depending on where you're moving (Clark County for Las Vegas area, Washoe for Reno area, etc.) so make sure you're applying to the right county. Each county can have slightly different processing times and requirements within the state system. One more tip - Nevada's online application system can be glitchy sometimes, so if you run into technical issues, don't hesitate to call or go in person. Better to have a backup plan than miss your application deadline!

I moved from California to Nevada about 18 months ago while on CalWORKs and can share some specific insights about the Nevada system since you're getting great general advice here. **Nevada's time limits:** Yes, Nevada DOES count your California CalWORKs time toward their 24-month lifetime limit. So if you've used 8 months in CA, you'd have 16 months remaining in Nevada. This is because of federal data sharing between states for TANF programs. **Application timing:** I'd strongly recommend applying online at dwss.nv.gov ASAP, even before you move. You can list your Nevada address and expected move date. When I applied, it took about 3 weeks to get approved, but they backdated my benefits to my application date. **County differences:** If you're moving to Clark County (Las Vegas area), their main office is pretty busy but they do have satellite locations. Washoe County (Reno area) tends to process faster in my experience. **Emergency assistance:** Nevada does have a "Temporary Emergency Assistance" program that can help with moving costs or temporary housing - it's separate from regular TANF and worth asking about when you apply. **Medical continuity:** For your daughter's appointments, Nevada Medicaid can do emergency coverage while your regular application processes, but you need to specifically request it and show it's urgent. The benefit reduction is tough but the cost of living in Nevada is generally lower than California, which helps offset some of the difference. Feel free to ask if you have specific questions about the Nevada system!

I just wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful - Nevada 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone or visit nevada211.org). They have a comprehensive database of local assistance programs, emergency services, and support resources specifically for Clark County. When I moved to a new state, 211 was invaluable for finding everything from emergency food assistance to utility help programs. Also, since you mentioned your worker never answers the phone - once you get to Nevada, their DWSS offices generally have better phone response times than some California counties (at least that was my experience). But definitely keep trying to reach your CA worker before you move to get that official move notification submitted. You're handling this incredibly difficult situation with such grace and planning ahead so well. Moving states while managing benefits AND dealing with a family medical emergency is no small feat. Your mom is lucky to have you looking out for her! 💙