Can I buy diapers with CalWORKs EBT Cash benefits? Confused about what's allowed

Yes, you absolutely CAN use your EBT Cash card to buy diapers! The Cash Aid portion of CalWORKs is meant for necessities that CalFresh doesn't cover, and diapers definitely qualify. You can use that card anywhere that accepts EBT Cash - most grocery stores, Target, Walmart, drug stores like CVS, etc. Just select "EBT CASH" at checkout instead of "EBT FOOD". Regarding a special diaper benefit - there is something called a "diaper allowance" in California for CalWORKs families with children under 3. It's an extra $30 per month per eligible child. Your worker should have automatically included this in your grant calculation if you have a child under 3, but not all workers remember to add it. I'd suggest calling your caseworker to make sure you're receiving it!

I use my cash aid for my babies diapers all the time! U can buy literally anything with the cash part except alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and like adult entertainment stuff lol. But yeah diapers formula baby clothes all that is fine!!! the food stamps part is just for food obviously

I had the EXACT same question when I first got on CalWORKs! The Cash Aid part of your benefits can absolutely be used for diapers and pretty much any non-food necessity. Just make sure you're choosing "EBT CASH" and not "EBT FOOD" when you check out. About that diaper benefit - yes, it exists! It's called the CalWORKs Diaper Benefit and it gives you an extra $30 per month for each child under 3 years old. BUT it's not automatic - you have to make sure your worker knows you have an eligible child. I had to specifically ask for it because my worker didn't mention it during my interview. If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same boat - getting disconnected after waiting forever. Claimyr got me through to an actual person in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. After I got through, I was able to get the diaper benefit added to my next payment and even got a supplement for the previous month.

when my son was little i used to take out CASH from atm with the ebt cash card and then buy whatever i needed. thats easier than trying to figure out what stores take it for what. just get the money out first!!!

I've been on CalWORKs for 3 years with my kids and they NEVER told me about any diaper benefit!!! Is this new?? I have a 2 year old and I've been struggling so much with diaper costs. The system is SO BROKEN they don't tell us about benefits we're entitled to. My worker is useless, just rushes through our recertification interviews and doesn't explain anything. I'm calling tomorrow to ask about this. THREE YEARS of missing out on extra money we desperately needed!!!!

One thing to watch out for - some stores have weird rules about what they allow for Cash EBT purchases. I went to a Dollar General once and they wouldn't let me use Cash EBT for diapers, but then the Walmart down the street had no problem with it. I think some store employees don't know the rules themselves and just make things up. If someone tells you that you can't buy diapers with Cash Aid, try a different store because they're wrong.

im confused about one thing - does wic cover diapers? i thought they did but maybe thats different from calworks?

Update: I called the county office using that Claimyr service someone recommended above, and got through in about 15 mins! The worker confirmed I can definitely use my Cash Aid for diapers. She also said I wasn't getting the diaper benefit but should be eligible. She's adding it starting next month and said I'll get an extra $30. Not a fortune but every bit helps! Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Welcome to the community! I'm so glad you got everything sorted out with your benefits. Just wanted to add a few more tips that might help you save even more on diapers: 1. Many stores have store-brand diapers that work just as well as name brands but cost way less - Target's Up&Up brand and Walmart's Parent's Choice are both great options. 2. If you have a Costco membership (or know someone who does), buying diapers in bulk there can save you a ton of money in the long run. 3. Keep an eye out for diaper sales and stock up when they're on clearance - you can use your Cash Aid to buy multiple packs when there's a good deal. 4. Some community centers and churches also have diaper pantries where you can get free diapers if you're really struggling between benefit payments. The diaper benefit is such a lifesaver - I'm glad they were able to add it for you! That extra $30 goes a long way when you're buying diapers regularly. Hope this helps make things a little easier for you and your little one!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for a while now! You've gotten great advice here. One thing I'd add is to always keep your receipts when buying diapers or other necessities with your Cash Aid - not because you have to report it, but just for your own budgeting. It really helps you track how much you're spending and plan better for the month. Also, if you ever have issues with your EBT card not working at a store for Cash purchases, don't be embarrassed to ask the cashier to try running it as "EBT Cash" instead of "EBT" - sometimes they default to the food benefits and don't realize there are two different types. I've had cashiers who didn't know the difference and it caused confusion. Congrats on getting that diaper benefit added! It really does make a difference, especially as your little one grows and goes through more diapers. Welcome to the community - don't hesitate to ask questions here, everyone's been super helpful in my experience!

I'm so happy to see how this community came together to help you! As someone who's also navigating CalWORKs with a baby, I wanted to share one more resource that's been a lifesaver for me - many counties have "Baby & Me" programs through their health departments that provide free diapers, wipes, and other baby supplies monthly. You just need to bring proof of income (your CalWORKs award letter works) and your baby's birth certificate. I get a whole case of diapers plus wipes every month from mine! You can usually find these programs by searching "[your county] baby supplies" or calling 211. Also, don't forget about diaper drives - many schools, churches, and community organizations do them throughout the year and you don't always have to be a member to benefit. The Facebook groups for your local area often post about these. Between the Cash Aid, the diaper benefit you just got added, and these community resources, you should be in much better shape! Your little one is lucky to have such a resourceful mom who advocates for what they need.

Hi there! As a newer member of this community, I just wanted to say how amazing it is to see everyone come together to help each other navigate these benefits! I'm a single mom with a 4-year-old and I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now. Reading through all these responses brought back memories of how confusing everything was at first. I wish I had known about this community when I started - it would have saved me so much stress and confusion! The information about the diaper benefit is so valuable. Even though my child is past diaper age now, I wish I had known about that extra $30/month when he was younger. It really shows how important it is to ask questions and advocate for ourselves. For anyone reading who might be new like the original poster was - don't be afraid to ask your caseworker about ALL the benefits you might be eligible for. I learned the hard way that they don't always volunteer information about everything available. Also, this community is such a great resource for real-world advice from people who actually understand what we're going through. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences here. It's posts and responses like these that make such a difference for families trying to make ends meet!

Welcome to the community! I'm so glad you found this place and were able to get your questions answered. As someone who's been on CalWORKs for about a year now, I remember feeling just as confused when I first started. Just wanted to add a couple more tips that have helped me along the way: 1. Download the ebtEDGE app if you haven't already - it lets you check your Cash Aid and CalFresh balances without having to call or go online, and it shows nearby ATMs that don't charge fees. 2. Some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens often have really good sales on diapers, and they accept EBT Cash. I've found some great deals there, especially when they have their store brand diapers on promotion. 3. If you're comfortable with it, consider cloth diapers for at home use - I know it sounds old-fashioned, but the upfront cost with your Cash Aid can actually save money long-term, and you can still use disposables when you're out and about. I'm really happy to see that you got the diaper benefit sorted out! That extra $30 makes such a difference. Don't hesitate to keep asking questions here - this community has been such a lifeline for me, and everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed. Wishing you and your little one all the best!