W-9 address and food stamps

Question

I am homeless and I receive food stamps (CalFresh/EBT) in California, where I live, and receive mail at friends'. I was recently offered a short-term, part time job (a handful of hours per week for up to 2 or 3 months, but it's uncertain how long) in another state, and was given a W-9 form to fill out for it. I would like to write in a local address for that form, so that the employer doesn't have to wonder why I have an address in another state, but I wonder if that might lead me to risk losing my food stamps in CA.

Can receiving food stamps in one state and having an address on a W-9 form in another state--or even simply working in that other state--be an issue? Do Social Services and the IRS even communicate at all? (Also, how long am I allowed to leave the state and still receive food stamps there?)

I have spent hours (literally) on the phone with different Social Services and IRS numbers, and haven't found an answer to my questions there.

(By the way, I am aware that I am required to report when my income rises above a certain level, and I intend to do so if it does.)

Thank you!

Answer 1

Any change in income or employment status can have an effect on both your eligibility for food stamps and the amount you receive, so be very careful about doing the right thing here.

There's nothing wrong with being truthful with your new employer about the situation, although I don't know why or even if they'd care your W-9 address is in another state.

Regardless, be honest and above-board with the food stamp people so that you don't find yourself potentially in the midst of a food stamp fraud claim, which can have devastating consequences, now and into the future.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!