Can I withdraw CalWORKs Cash Aid from ATMs? What fees apply?

Yes, your Cash Aid gets loaded onto the same EBT card as CalFresh, but they're separate benefits. The CalFresh can only be used for food purchases, but the Cash Aid portion can be withdrawn from ATMs or used like a debit card at stores. You get 4 free ATM withdrawals per month at most ATMs, then there's a small fee after that. Bank of America ATMs are completely free for all EBT withdrawals. You can also do "cash back" when making purchases at most stores which doesn't count against your free withdrawals. Just make sure you select "CASH" not "FOOD" when using your EBT card for Cash Aid transactions.

U can take cash out at atm or store but watch out for fees!!! some places charge like $4 just to take ur own $$$ out smh. i always do cash back at walmart when i buy stuff, no fees that way

I've been on CalWorks 2 years now. Here's what I learned about getting ur cash: 1. DON'T use those little ATMs in liquor stores or check cashing places - they charge like $6-8 fees! 2. BofA ATMs are totally free, use those when possible 3. If you need $$ but aren't near BofA, do cash back at grocery store (usually up to $200) 4. You can also just swipe the card to pay for stuff directly 5. The cash portion works COMPLETELY different from the food stamps part The EBT customer service number on the back of your card is actually pretty helpful if you have questions too. They helped me reset my PIN when I forgot it.

i wanna add that if ur trying to check ur balance, don't use the atm to do that!! it counts as one of ur free transactions even if u don't take cash out! use the website or call the number on the back of the card instead

Something important that nobody mentioned yet - there are restrictions on WHERE you can use your EBT Cash Aid. You can't withdraw cash or use the card at: casinos, gambling places, adult entertainment venues, bars/liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries, cruise ships, or vacation locations outside California. If you try to use it at those places, the transaction will be blocked, and if somehow it does go through, you could get in trouble with the program. Also, your Cash Aid gets deposited on the same day each month based on your case number. You can find the exact date on the approval letter they sent you.

I'VE BEEN TRYING TO REACH MY CASEWORKER FOR 2 WEEKS to fix an issue with my card not working at ATMs!!!! They NEVER answer!!!! Left 12 MESSAGES!!!!! Anyone know how to actually get someone on the phone????? so frustrating!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the super helpful info! I'm going to use the BofA ATMs to avoid fees and try the cash back at stores. Looks like I need to learn the difference between using the CASH vs FOOD options on the card. Will the cashier know which one to select if I just tell them I want to use Cash Aid? Also still wondering about my PIN - will the card come with instructions on setting that up?