Just want to add - when you call to report your move, ask for confirmation that they've initiated the Inter-County Transfer and get a reference number if possible. I learned this the hard way when my transfer got "lost" in the system for 2 weeks. Having that reference number helped me track it down when I called back. Also, keep your current county case number handy - San Bernardino will need it to pull up your case. The whole process should be seamless but it's good to have documentation just in case something goes wrong. Good luck with your move!

Moving between counties can be stressful but the process is pretty straightforward once you know what to do! I moved from Fresno to San Bernardino about 6 months ago and my benefits actually stayed exactly the same since my rent and income were similar. The key thing is timing - definitely call your current eligibility worker at least 2 weeks before you move if possible. I called the main CalFresh line for Riverside County and they walked me through the whole Inter-County Transfer process. My EBT card kept working the whole time and I never missed a payment. One tip: have your new lease ready to send them right away because they'll want to verify your new address and rent amount pretty quickly. The San Bernardino office was actually really helpful once my case transferred over. You've got this!

btw u should apply for calfresh emergency supplement if ur in a bad spot, they can give u extra benefits in 3 days if u qualify

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My hours as a retail worker got cut drastically after the holiday season, but my benefits were already reduced because of the extra December shifts. Here's what I've learned from my caseworker: You definitely CAN get your benefits adjusted when your income decreases - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The key is submitting a "Change Report" or "Mid-Period Report" with your recent paystubs. Make sure to emphasize that this is a DECREASE in income. One tip that really helped me: when you call or visit the office, ask them to calculate what your benefits SHOULD be based on your current income level. Sometimes they can do a quick calculation right there to show you what you'd qualify for. Also, keep copies of everything you submit and get a receipt or case note number. The system moves slowly but it does work if you stay on top of it. Good luck!

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I called Safeway corporate and they were actually really responsive. They apologized profusely and said they would address this with the store director and the manager involved. They confirmed that ALL Safeway stores are required to accept EBT cards regardless of which county or state issued them. I also filed a complaint with CDSS using the link someone provided. Still waiting to hear back from them, but I feel better knowing I've reported it officially. Finally, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through to my county worker, who was super helpful and said they'd reach out to the store as well. I went to a different store yesterday (Foods Etc in Clearlake) and had no problems using both my EBT and my United Healthcare card. Just wanted to post this in case anyone else in Lake County experiences something similar - don't let them tell you your benefits aren't accepted!

This is such an important update and I'm so glad you took action! Your experience will definitely help others who might face similar discrimination. It's encouraging to hear that Safeway corporate took it seriously - that manager clearly needed education about federal EBT regulations. For anyone else reading this who might experience EBT discrimination: document everything (date, time, employee names if possible), don't let them make you feel embarrassed (you're using benefits you're entitled to!), and definitely report it through multiple channels like Dmitry did. These stores can actually lose their SNAP authorization if they continue violating program rules. Thanks for sharing your follow-up - it gives me hope that the system can work when we advocate for ourselves!

Thanks everyone for the input! Sounds like it's definitely a retailer system issue rather than an actual CalFresh rule. I'll stick to placing orders after 6am from now on. Really appreciate all the helpful responses!

This is such a helpful thread! I had no idea this was a common issue. I've been having the same problem with Target's online grocery pickup when I try to place orders super early in the morning with my EBT card. It's frustrating because that's often the only quiet time I have to get shopping done before my kids wake up. At least now I know it's not my card having issues - just need to wait until after 6am to place the order. Thanks for asking this question and everyone for the explanations!

So glad to see this worked out for you! Your experience is a perfect example of how the system is supposed to work when you have the right documentation and submit everything on time. I hope other community members who face similar situations will see this thread and know exactly what steps to take. It's unfortunate that power outages happen, but at least CalFresh has protections in place for situations like this. Thanks for updating us on the outcome!

This thread is such a great resource! As someone who's been through a similar situation with spoiled food after a weekend-long power outage during a storm, I can confirm that the CF 303 process really does work when you follow all the steps correctly. One additional tip I'd add - if you're in an apartment complex or mobile home park like Hannah, it's worth asking your neighbors if they're also filing claims. Sometimes the property management will write one letter that covers the entire outage for the whole property, which can save everyone time. Also, don't forget that you can claim spoiled medications that require refrigeration too (like insulin) - those go on a separate part of the form but are covered under the same process. Really glad to see Hannah got her benefits replaced!