CalFresh EBT card not working at ATMs - anyone else having issues today?

you cant pull cash from calfresh ebt cards, only from the cash aid portion if u have calworks too. calfresh is SNAP benefits, only 4 food

The previous comment is correct. CalFresh benefits can only be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. You cannot withdraw cash from the CalFresh portion of your benefits. If you also receive CalWORKs (cash aid), that portion would be available for ATM withdrawals, but CalFresh benefits are specifically for food purchases only. This is a federal SNAP program rule, not just California. If you're trying to access cash benefits, you'll need to check if you have CalWORKs on your card as well. Your EBT card balance should show separate amounts for 'Food Benefits' and 'Cash Benefits' if you have both programs.

same thing happened to my cousin lol CalFresh is just food stamps electronic now

If you need emergency rent assistance, you should contact your county social services office ASAP. They might be able to refer you to emergency assistance programs or help you apply for CalWORKs if you're eligible. You can also check with local non-profits. Don't feel embarrassed - the whole system is confusing, especially for new recipients! I remember thinking the same thing when I first got my EBT card.

I've been on CalFresh for three years and I remember being confused about this too! The EBT card looks just like a debit card, so it's a natural assumption that you can withdraw cash. For your rent situation, try calling your county's Housing Support Program - they sometimes have emergency funds to prevent homelessness. Also, most counties have a General Assistance/General Relief program for adults with no income, which provides cash aid. You have to apply separately for that program though. Don't waste time trying ATMs again - focus on finding emergency assistance for your rent.

I spent HOURS last week trying to get through to my county office about a similar emergency situation. Kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Then I discovered this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in minutes! It basically waits on hold for you and calls you when a real person picks up. Seriously saved me so much stress. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Worth checking out especially when you need to reach someone urgently for rent help.

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: CalFresh benefits can ONLY be used for eligible food purchases at approved retailers. Your EBT card will have separate accounts if you receive both CalFresh and cash benefits (like CalWORKs). For emergency rent assistance, contact your county's Housing and Homeless Program immediately, as they often have prevention funds specifically for people at risk of eviction. You can also apply for CalWORKs if you have dependents, or General Assistance/Relief if you don't. Most counties also have Emergency Response Teams for urgent situations like yours. When you call, specifically mention that you're at imminent risk of eviction - this often prioritizes your case.

dont they teach u this stuff when u sign up?? my worker explained everything at orientation lol

Update: I was able to get through to my county office this morning using that Claimyr service someone recommended (saved me hours of hold time!). They referred me to the Emergency Assistance Program and I have an appointment this afternoon. They said they might be able to help with this month's rent while I apply for other programs. Thank you everyone for your help and for not making me feel too stupid about misunderstanding the EBT card. This whole system is so confusing when you're new to it.