Can I use my CalWORKs EBT card to withdraw Cash Aid at ATMs in another state?

yes u can use it out of state. i went to oregon last summer for my cousins wedding and it worked fine at atms there, just had higher fees at some places.

Yes, your EBT card will work at ATMs in other states, but there are some important things to know: 1. You'll typically pay higher ATM fees out-of-state (sometimes $3-5 per transaction) 2. You're still allowed to be out of state temporarily (up to 30 days) without it affecting your CalWORKs eligibility 3. If you're gone longer than 30 days, you need to report it to your county office as a change 4. Make sure you still submit your SAR7 on time if it's due while you're away Also, if you need to contact your worker while you're gone, remember you can access BenefitsCal.com from anywhere to check your case status.

my cousin said she got her benefits cut off after she used her card in texas but that was probably because she was gone for like 3 months lol not because she used the card there

I used mine in Nevada and it FLAGGED my account!! Had to call and explain I was just visiting family for a weekend. Such a headache. They made me verify my address when I got back with mail and everything. SO annoying.

If you're worried about potential issues, I'd recommend calling your eligibility worker before you go to let them know you'll be temporarily out of state. That way they can note it in your file and you won't have problems when you get back. And yes, the card will work at most ATMs that accept EBT, but watch out for the fees! They can really add up. Some banks charge $5+ for out-of-network withdrawals on top of what California already charges for ATM use after your free withdrawals are used up. BTW if you have trouble reaching your worker (which is common), I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month when I needed to update my address. They got me through to a live person at my county office in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

I work for the county (not speaking officially), and here's what I can tell you: 1. Your EBT card will work in other states - the system is national 2. Short trips (under 30 days) are totally fine and won't affect eligibility 3. Using your card out of state doesn't automatically trigger anything in our systems 4. HOWEVER, if something else causes your case to be reviewed while you're gone, the out-of-state transactions might raise questions If you're really concerned, it doesn't hurt to withdraw enough cash before you leave CA. That way you don't have to worry about ATM access or fees while traveling.

Thanks everyone for the help! I called my worker (took forever to get through) and let them know I'll be in Arizona for 2 weeks. They noted it in my file and said it's totally fine as long as it's less than 30 days. They also mentioned I should keep my receipts from the ATM withdrawals just in case there are any questions later. I'm going to take out most of what I need before I leave CA to avoid those crazy fees too!

Great question! I was in the same situation last year when I had to help my mom after her surgery in Nevada. Your EBT card will definitely work at ATMs in Arizona - the system is nationwide. Just be prepared for higher fees (I paid around $3-4 per withdrawal at most ATMs there). Since you're only going for 2 weeks, you're well within the 30-day limit so no worries about your case. Just make sure to keep your receipts from any ATM transactions while you're there. Some people recommend calling your worker ahead of time to let them know, but honestly for such a short trip it's probably not necessary. One tip: try to find ATMs at major banks like Bank of America or Wells Fargo - they usually have lower fees than those random convenience store ATMs. Have a great trip helping with the new baby!