CalWORKs EBT card working but can't withdraw cash aid - money shows available
Has anyone else had this issue with their CalWORKs benefits? My cash aid posted to my account yesterday (I can see the full amount when I check my balance online and at the ATM), but when I try to withdraw any money it keeps saying 'transaction declined.' I tried 3 different ATMs thinking maybe it was just that location having issues, but same problem everywhere. I've already paid my rent late once this month and need this money for bills ASAP. Is there something wrong with the EBT system right now? My CalFresh benefits are working fine on the same card - just can't get the cash aid portion out. Called the number on the back of my card but after waiting 45 minutes I got disconnected. So frustrating!!
15 comments
StarSurfer
this happened to me last month! check if ur card is damaged, mine had a tiny crack near the chip and that was causing the issue. or maybe ur trying to pull out more than the daily limit? i think its like $500 per day
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Dmitry Petrov
•My card looks fine, no damage at all. And I'm only trying to take out $300 which is way under the limit. Did you end up having to get a replacement card? That would take forever and I need this money now :
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Ava Martinez
This is actually a somewhat common issue with CalWORKs cash aid. There are a few possibilities: 1. There might be a system-wide issue affecting cash withdrawals. This happens occasionally and usually resolves within 24 hours. 2. Your cash aid might be on hold due to an unresolved issue with your case - even though it shows as available. Did you recently submit your SAR7 or have any pending verification requirements? 3. Sometimes there's a 24-48 hour processing period between when funds show as available and when they can actually be withdrawn. I'd recommend calling your county office directly rather than the EBT customer service line. They can see what's happening with your specific case and if there are any holds.
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Dmitry Petrov
•Thank you! I didn't even think about my SAR7. I submitted it last week but maybe they need more info? I'll try calling the county office tomorrow but I've been calling for days and can never get through. It just rings and rings forever.
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Miguel Castro
SAME EXACT THING just happened to me!!! Ive been on CalWORKs for 2 years and NEVER had this problem before. Called my caseworker like 20 times and only got voicemail. This is so RIDICULOUS. I have a kid who needs diapers and can't even get OUR money. The system is messed up. It's gotta be something on their end because my card works fine for groceries too.
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Dmitry Petrov
•So frustrating! Glad it's not just me but sorry you're dealing with it too. Let me know if you figure out what's going on or get through to anyone.
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Zainab Abdulrahman
Have you tried using your card at a grocery store to get cash back with a purchase? Sometimes when the ATM withdrawal doesn't work, that method still will. Buy something small like a pack of gum and ask for cash back. Worth a try while you're sorting this out with the county.
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Connor Byrne
•This is wat I always do. Haven't used an ATM in years cuz they always charge fees. Just buy something cheap at the store and get cash back. Walmart lets u get like $100 back and some stores do more.
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Yara Elias
Try calling your county worker directly using Claimyr. I had a similar issue last month where my cash aid was showing but couldn't be withdrawn because there was a flag on my account from an income verification issue. I spent days trying to get through the regular line with no luck. Claimyr got me through to a live person at the county office in about 10 minutes. They have this service where they basically wait on hold for you and then call you when they reach a real person. Saved me so much frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE The worker was able to remove the hold on my account right away once I explained the situation.
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Dmitry Petrov
•Thank you! I've never heard of this service before but I'm definitely going to try it. At this point I'd try anything to get this resolved quickly.
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QuantumQuasar
i had something like this happen but it turned out i was trying to use my card at an ATM that didnt work with EBT. not all ATMs accept the ebt card for cash withdrawals even if they take regular debit cards. try going inside a bank thats listed on the back of ur card or use a store for cashback like safeway or food max
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Dmitry Petrov
•I tried the Bank of America ATM that I always use, plus the one at my local grocery store. Both have worked fine before. But I'll try the cash back suggestion since a couple people mentioned it now!
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Keisha Jackson
One time I had this problem and it was because my address didn't match what they had on file. I had moved but forgot to update my address with CalWORKs (even though I updated it for CalFresh). For some reason they put a hold on my cash benefits but not food. did u move recently??
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Ava Martinez
Following up on this thread - there's another thing to check: have you hit your Increased Income Report Threshold (IRT)? If you earned income over your IRT amount (even for one month) and didn't report it within 10 days, they sometimes place a hold on your cash aid while still showing it as available. This is especially common if they received employment verification from the EDD system. Also, did you try the cash back method at a store that others suggested? That's a good workaround while you get this resolved.
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Dmitry Petrov
•UPDATE: I tried the cash back method at Walmart and IT WORKED!! Was able to get $100 out (their limit per transaction) so I'll have to make a few trips but at least I can access the money! Still going to call my worker to figure out what's going on with ATM withdrawals. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
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