CalWORKs benefits arrived on EBT card but BofA ATM limit too low - need full amount for rent!
I'm stressed out trying to figure this out!! My CalWORKs cash aid just dropped onto my EBT card today ($1340 for me and my two kids), but when I went to BofA to withdraw it for my rent, the ATM would only let me take out $1000. I need the rest TODAY or my landlord is gonna charge me a late fee. I can't afford to come back tomorrow for another withdrawal because I need bus fare to get to my WTW appointment. Is there a daily limit on EBT cash withdrawals? Can I go inside the bank and get the rest? The CalWORKs office is already closed and my worker never picks up anyway. Help!!!
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Edison Estevez
Yea there's usually a daily ATM limit. U can either go inside the bank with ur card and ID (some banks will do cash advance but not all), go to a different ATM tomorrow, or use the card to buy something at the store and get cash back at checkout. but stores usually have cashback limits too like $100-$200 max
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Jibriel Kohn
•Omg thank you!! I didn't think about cash back at the store. Do you know if Walmart has a higher cash back limit than most places? My rent is due TODAY and I'm freaking out
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
You can definitely go inside the Bank of America branch and withdraw more than the ATM limit. Just bring your EBT card and a valid photo ID. The teller can help you withdraw the additional funds you need. I've done this several times when I needed more than the ATM would give me. This is actually the fastest way to get your full amount today before they close. Also, for future reference, you can split your rent payment between cash and your EBT card if the landlord accepts card payments. The WTW program should also be able to help with transportation assistance so you don't have to worry about bus fare - make sure to ask your worker about that!
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Jibriel Kohn
•Thank you so much for this info! I'll head to the branch right away. My landlord is old school and only takes cash or money orders so I definitely need to get the full amount out. I had no idea about transportation assistance through WTW though - my worker never mentioned that even though I've told her I struggle with bus fare sometimes. Definitely going to ask about that at my appointment!
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James Johnson
Im confused why ur getting cash aid on EBT? Isnt that for food benefits? I get my calworks thru direct deposit to my bank account and never have withdrawal problems
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
•CalWORKs Cash Aid can actually be received either through direct deposit or on an EBT card - it's the same card used for CalFresh (food stamps) but has a separate cash account on it. Many people use the EBT card option if they don't have a regular bank account. The EBT card works at ATMs and can be used like a debit card, but it does have daily withdrawal limits which is what OP is running into.
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Sophia Rodriguez
Just to add to what others have said - Walmart typically allows cash back up to $100 per transaction. Some grocery stores like Food Maxx or WinCo might allow up to $200, but it varies by store policy. If you go inside Bank of America with your EBT card and ID, you can withdraw your full remaining balance. One thing to be aware of though - if you withdraw at a non-BofA ATM, you'll get hit with surcharge fees that can be $3-$5 per transaction, which really adds up. Always try to use BofA ATMs for EBT cash withdrawals when possible.
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Jibriel Kohn
•Those fees are ridiculous!! They really add up when you're on a tight budget. I went to BofA specifically to avoid the fees, but didn't realize about the ATM limit. Thanks for the store cash back info - that's helpful for next time.
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Mia Green
next time try using Claimyr to reach your worker about these issues before they become emergencies! i was NEVER able to reach my calworks worker until i found this service at claimyr.com. they got me through to a real person at the county in like 25 minutes when i had been trying for DAYS. they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - seriously worth it when you need to talk to someone about your benefits ASAP
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Jibriel Kohn
•I've literally spent HOURS on hold with the county just to get disconnected. Does this really work? I'm definitely checking out that video because I have so many questions for my worker that never get answered.
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Emma Bianchi
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE EVERYTHING HARD!!! I swear they put these limits in place on purpose so people cant access their full benefits. I've been dealing with this for YEARS and its always something new. One time my EBT card just stopped working completely right when my rent was due and I almost got evicted!!! The entire system is broken and nobody at the county office EVER helps!!!
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Edison Estevez
•the atm limits arent just for ebt cards tho, regular bank cards have daily limits too. its for security in case ur card gets stolen
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Lucas Kowalski
If you get desperate and the bank is closed, some check cashing places can do cash withdrawals from EBT cards. But WARNING - they charge really high fees, like $5-$10 per transaction. I had to do this once when my rent was due on a holiday weekend. It's not ideal but it's an option if you're truly stuck.
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Jibriel Kohn
•I ended up going to the BofA branch like someone suggested and was able to withdraw the rest! The teller was actually really nice about it. But good to know about check cashing places as a last resort - thank you!
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
Great to hear you got it resolved! One more tip - you can actually call the number on the back of your EBT card and request a higher daily ATM withdrawal limit. It's not guaranteed they'll approve it, but if you explain your situation (needing to withdraw rent money once a month), they might increase your limit. Worth trying for next month!
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Jibriel Kohn
•I had no idea this was even possible! Definitely going to call and ask about this. Would make things so much easier every month. Thank you for all your help!
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