How to withdraw cash or transfer money from CalFresh EBT card to bank account?

You can't withdraw cash or transfer funds from a CalFresh EBT card to your bank account. CalFresh benefits are ONLY for purchasing eligible food items. If you had CalWORKs (cash aid), that would allow ATM withdrawals, but CalFresh is specifically for food purchases at approved retailers. The system is designed this way to ensure the benefits are used for their intended purpose - feeding you and your family. Hope that helps clarify things for you!

Hi! Just to clarify what the previous comment said - CalFresh benefits can ONLY be used to buy eligible food items at authorized retailers (grocery stores, farmers markets, some convenience stores). You cannot withdraw cash or transfer the funds to your bank account. The EBT card works like a debit card but only for specific purchases. CalFresh is different from CalWORKs (which is cash aid and CAN be withdrawn). Sounds like you only have food benefits, not cash benefits. Don't worry about asking - lots of people get confused about this when they first get benefits!

Actually I think you CAN get cash back if you shop at places like walmart and do a purchase... not 100% sure tho

I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and here's how it works: 1. You CAN'T take cash out or transfer money to your bank 2. You CAN only use it for food (no alcohol, hot prepared food, household items) 3. You CAN use it at farmers markets (some even give you extra $$ through Market Match) 4. You CAN use it at some places you might not expect like Amazon Fresh, Walmart online, even some CSA farm boxes The system is deliberately set up so you can't convert the benefits to cash. It's food assistance only. If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county to ask questions about your benefits, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I used their service when I couldn't get through to ask about my recertification, and they got me connected to a live person in about 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

Everyone is right that you can't get cash, but I was surprised to find out how many places actually take EBT these days! Even Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe's, and some dollar stores accept it. You can also use it to buy seeds and plants that produce food which I thought was pretty cool.

Just adding another important thing - make sure you check your EBT balance regularly through the app or by calling the number on the back of your card. Benefits expire after 9 months if you don't use them, which many people don't realize!

One more tip: If your phone has NFC, you might be able to add your EBT card to your mobile wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) depending on your state. Makes it a lot easier than carrying the physical card everywhere.

Just to wrap things up for the original question - CalFresh EBT cards can ONLY be used to purchase eligible food items. You cannot: - Withdraw cash at ATMs - Get cash back during purchases - Transfer funds to a bank account - Use benefits for non-food items This is by design to ensure the benefits are used specifically for nutritional support. Hope this clarifies everything!