Can I use my CalWORKs Cash Aid EBT card in Texas? Need emergency access while traveling

Yes, you can use your EBT card to access your Cash Aid in Texas! Your CalWORKs benefits are loaded onto your Golden State Advantage card which works in any state at ATMs that have the Quest logo. Most major bank ATMs and many store ATMs should work. As for withdrawal limits, you can typically withdraw up to $1000 per day, but some ATMs might have their own lower limits (like $200 or $400 per transaction). Just be aware you'll probably pay ATM fees - there's usually a $1 fee per Cash Aid withdrawal after the first one each month, plus whatever fee the ATM owner charges.

yea u can use it but watch out they CHARGE u extra outside of cali. i went to vegas last yr and got charged like $5 just to check my balance and then more to take $ out. total ripoff!!!

I'd recommend withdrawing the maximum amount you can in one transaction to minimize fees. And definitely check that the ATM has the Quest logo before trying to use it. If the ATM doesn't show Quest, it might still work but could charge higher fees or not work at all. Also important to know - when you use the card outside California, there's no way to call the local CalWORKs office if something goes wrong. If your card gets eaten by the machine or doesn't work, you'll need to call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card: 1-877-328-9677. They can help with card issues from anywhere in the US. By the way, if you're having trouble reaching your CalWORKs worker about any benefit issues, I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at my county office in minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Saved me so much frustration when I had an emergency situation with my benefits.

dont u need to report that ur out of state? i thought u cant leave cali for more than 30 days or they cut ur benefits. someone told me that at the office when i was thinking of visiting my mom in arizona

when i was in Ohio last summer for my cousin's wedding I couldn't get my ebt card to work AT ALL!!! tried like 5 different atms and kept saying error. ended up having to borrow money from my sister. super embarrassing. i think sometimes it depends on which bank atm you use. when i got back i called and they said i should have called them to "activate out of state usage" or something?? nobody ever told me that before!!! might want to call the ebt customer service number and make sure yours will work in texas before you're stuck with no money!!!!!

The most important thing nobody mentioned yet is that you should take it ALL out if you can. There's no point leaving money on the card and paying multiple ATM fees. Also, make sure you know your PIN! If you forgot it or never set one up, you're going to have problems. And don't throw away your receipt - Texas isn't going to have EBT balance checkers like we have in California.

Since a few people mentioned different experiences, I just wanted to clarify: 1. You CAN use your EBT card in any state without special activation 2. Some ATMs may not work with EBT (stick to major banks and Walmart if possible) 3. The daily limit is typically $1000 but some ATMs have lower per-transaction limits 4. You'll likely pay fees ($1+ from EBT system and whatever the ATM charges) 5. Keep your trip under 30 days or report your temporary absence 6. If your card doesn't work, call the EBT customer service number on the back And just to ease your mind - thousands of CalWORKs recipients travel between states and use their benefits without issues. The system is designed to work nationwide.

Just wanted to add that Walmart ATMs definitely work with EBT cards! I've used mine at Walmart locations in multiple states without issues. They usually have the Quest logo displayed right on the ATM screen. One tip - if you're staying near your aunt for a while, you might also check if any local grocery stores have ATMs inside. Sometimes those have lower fees than standalone bank ATMs. And definitely go during daytime hours when the store is busy - safer and if something goes wrong with the machine, there are employees around to help. Hope your aunt is feeling better soon and that you get your funds without any problems tomorrow!

Hey Harold! I see you're getting great advice here. Just wanted to share my recent experience - I was in Arizona last month and used my EBT card at several different ATMs. The Bank of America and Chase ATMs worked perfectly, and yes, Walmart ATMs are usually reliable too. One thing I learned the hard way is to avoid those independent ATMs you see at gas stations or convenience stores. They often have much higher fees (sometimes $3-5 just from the ATM owner) and some don't work with EBT at all. Stick to major bank ATMs or big box stores like Walmart/Target. Also, when you do withdraw tomorrow, try to do it during business hours if possible. If something goes wrong with the transaction, it's much easier to get help when the bank or store is open. And definitely keep that receipt - it's your proof of the transaction if there are any issues later. Hope everything goes smoothly and your aunt recovers quickly!

Harold, I hope your aunt is doing better! Just wanted to add a couple practical tips from my experience using EBT cards while traveling: 1. If you're staying at your aunt's place for a while, ask her if she knows which local banks or stores have ATMs that typically work well. Sometimes locals know which machines are more reliable. 2. Consider withdrawing your cash aid in the morning rather than late at night - if something goes wrong with the transaction, you'll have more options for getting help during business hours. 3. If you're planning to stay longer than you originally intended, keep track of your dates. You mentioned this trip got extended unexpectedly, so just be mindful of that 30-day reporting requirement others mentioned. 4. Take a photo of your receipt with your phone as backup documentation, especially since you're out of state and might need proof of the transaction later. The Quest network is pretty reliable, so you should be fine at most major ATMs. Wishing you and your aunt all the best!

Just wanted to jump in with some reassurance - I travel between California and Texas regularly to help with my elderly parents, and I've never had issues using my EBT card there. The Walmart ATMs are definitely your best bet, and most major banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America work great too. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned - if you're going to be making a larger withdrawal (like $400+), some ATMs will ask if you want to do it as multiple transactions. Always choose "no" and do it as one transaction to avoid multiple fees. Also, don't panic if the first ATM you try doesn't work - sometimes it's just that specific machine having issues, not your card. I've had that happen and the ATM right next door worked fine. Texas has pretty good ATM coverage, so you should be all set. Hope your aunt continues to improve and that your funds come through without any hiccups tomorrow!

Harold, I'm glad you found all this helpful advice! As someone who's dealt with similar situations, I just wanted to add one more tip - if you do run into any issues with your card tomorrow, don't hesitate to try a different ATM location before calling customer service. Sometimes it really is just that one machine acting up. Also, since you mentioned you're running low on funds, you might want to check if there are any local resources or community assistance programs in the area where your aunt lives, just as a backup plan. Many communities have emergency assistance programs that can help with basic needs if you get stuck. Sending good thoughts for your aunt's recovery and hoping your transaction goes smoothly tomorrow. This community is always here if you need more help!

Harold, I'm seeing lots of great advice here! Just wanted to add that if you're planning to stay in Texas for an extended period while helping your aunt, you might want to consider opening a local bank account if possible. Some banks offer free checking accounts, and you could transfer money from your EBT withdrawals to avoid repeated ATM fees. Also, regarding the 30-day rule that others mentioned - if your aunt's health situation requires you to stay longer unexpectedly, make sure to call your CalWORKs worker to explain the circumstances. They're usually understanding about family emergencies, especially when it involves caring for elderly relatives. One more practical tip: many Texas grocery stores like H-E-B have ATMs that work with EBT cards and sometimes have lower fees than standalone bank ATMs. Might be worth checking if there's one near your aunt's place. Hope your aunt's health improves soon and that you can access your funds without any trouble tomorrow! Take care of yourself too while you're caring for her.