Initiate Your CalFresh Inter-County Transfer (ICT)
Successfully switching your CalFresh county depends on promptly reporting your move to the county welfare department. You have the flexibility to notify either the "sending" county (where you are leaving) or the "receiving" county (where you are moving). The county you inform is responsible for initiating the transfer process within seven business days.
Report your move
- Online: Use the statewide portal, BenefitsCal.com, to report your change of address. This is often the fastest and most convenient method.
- By phone: Call your current county's social services office or your new county's office. You can also contact the statewide toll-free number for assistance.
- In person: Visit a county welfare office in either your sending or receiving county to report the move.
- In writing: Mail a signed letter or change report form to your county's office with your new address and the date of your move.
Required information for the transfer
When reporting your move, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Your full name and contact information.
- Your current CalFresh case number.
- Your old and new physical addresses.
- The date your move occurred or will occur.
Providing accurate and complete information will help avoid delays in your case transfer. It is crucial to keep all contact information, including your phone number, up to date.
The ICT process and what to expect
After you have reported your move, the two counties will coordinate to transfer your case. The sending county will continue to issue benefits until the transfer period expires and the receiving county officially takes over. This transfer period is typically up to 30 days after the initial notification is sent from one county to the other. During this time, your EBT card will continue to function normally, and there should be no interruption in your benefits.
Important actions during the transfer period
- Respond to communication: Continue to respond to any mail or calls from the sending county until you receive official notification that your case has been fully transferred to the new county.
- Use your existing EBT card: Your current EBT card is valid statewide. You do not need a new one to continue using your benefits in your new county of residence.
- Report further changes: If any other changes occur, such as a change in household income or members, report them as you normally would on your semi-annual report (SAR 7) or as part of change reporting rules.
Your new county's responsibilities
The receiving county must acknowledge receipt of the transfer and send you a notice with your new case number and contact information. They must determine your eligibility and benefit amount based on current circumstances but cannot require a new application or interview as a direct result of the ICT. They will utilize any existing documentation provided by your former county.
Comparison of moves: Within California vs. Out of state
Understanding the key differences between an inter-county move and an out-of-state move is critical for maintaining benefits.
| Feature | Moving Within California (Inter-County) | Moving Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Case is transferred through an Inter-County Transfer (ICT). | You must re-apply for benefits in the new state. |
| EBT Card | Your current EBT card continues to work and is used in the new county. | You will be issued a new EBT card by your new state's program. |
| New Application | Generally not required. The receiving county uses your existing case information. | A completely new application is necessary to re-establish eligibility. |
| Eligibility Review | Eligibility and benefit levels are re-evaluated based on your current circumstances, but without a new application. | New eligibility criteria will apply based on your new state's rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). |
| Timeframe | The ICT is designed to be seamless, with benefits transferring within 30 days of notification. | Varies by state. You may have a short delay in benefits while your new application is processed. |
What if you move during recertification or mid-period?
If your move coincides with a recertification period, the receiving county will typically handle the process. However, the counties may agree for the sending county to complete it if it is more advantageous for the household. For Non-Assistance CalFresh (NACF) cases, a mid-period move does not legally have to be reported, but it is highly recommended to ensure continuity. If you voluntarily report the address change, the ICT process must be initiated within seven days.
If only some household members move
An ICT is only initiated when the entire household moves out of the county. If only a portion of your household is moving, the process is different:
- Separating household: The members who remain in the original county will continue their case as usual. The individuals who move must be removed from the existing case and apply for benefits as a separate household in their new county.
- Joining another household: If the members moving are joining an existing CalFresh household, they may be added to that case. The existing household would report the change during its next Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) or under change reporting rules.
Conclusion: Ensuring a smooth transfer
To ensure a seamless move and avoid a lapse in your CalFresh benefits, the most important step is to promptly notify the county welfare department of your new address, whether it's the one you're leaving or the one you're moving to. The statewide inter-county transfer system is designed to prevent disruptions, but proactive communication on your part is essential. Make sure all your contact information is current, and keep an eye out for correspondence from both counties until the transfer is complete. Remember that your EBT card will continue to work, so you can continue accessing your benefits without delay.
A note on accuracy and staying informed
While the inter-county transfer process is standardized by state law, county-specific procedures can sometimes vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to contact your local county social services agency or visit the official California Department of Social Services website. Following these guidelines will empower you to manage your transition with confidence and secure your access to important food benefits. For additional information on CalFresh regulations, including specific all-county letters, visit the Legal Services of Northern California's guide: calfresh.guide/what-happens-if-the-household-moves/.
