Can I withdraw CalWORKs Cash Aid from Chase Bank? Worried about EBT card security

You can't withdraw your Cash Aid benefits directly from a bank teller at Chase or any other bank. The EBT card system is separate from regular banking. You have a few options though:1. Use ATMs that are part of the MoneyPass network to avoid fees (check the back of your EBT card for approved networks)2. Get cash back when making purchases at grocery stores, Walmart, etc.3. Transfer the funds from your EBT card to your personal bank account through the EBT app (some counties support this now)To protect against skimming, always check for any suspicious devices on the ATM, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and avoid ATMs in isolated areas. Also, change your PIN regularly and monitor your balance through the EBT app or by calling the number on the back of your card.

Thanks for the info! I didn't know I could transfer it to my bank account. Is that really possible? The county worker never mentioned that option. Also what about changing the PIN - can I do that myself or do I have to go to the office?

DON'T use random ATMs!!!! I had my entire cash aid stolen last November at a gas station ATM and it took 3 MONTHS to get my money back!!!! The EBT office kept sayin it was

omg that happen to my sister too!! these thieves are getting smarter with skimming devices. she said they didnt even believe her at first. so sorry that happened to u

Here's what you need to know about keeping your CalWORKs Cash Aid safe:- You can't withdraw from inside Chase banks (or any bank) as the teller can't access EBT funds- Transfer the full amount to your bank account immediately when it loads if your county supports it- Set up text/email alerts for when transactions happen on your EBT card- Look for ATMs with cameras and good lighting- Some counties now offer direct deposit of Cash Aid to your bank account instead of EBT loading - ask if yours doesAlso important: When you check your balance, NEVER use the phone number from an ATM screen. Only use the official number on the back of your card. Scammers put fake phone numbers on ATM screens to steal information.

I didn't know about the direct deposit option either. How do I find out if my county offers it? My worker is impossible to reach by phone.

i always just go to walmart and buy something small like a soda then ask for cash back. u can get up to $100 back per transaction. safer than atm imo

This is what I do too. You're right it's safer, but the downside is you have to do multiple transactions if you need to withdraw more than $100. I usually do a few $100 cash back transactions over a couple days so I don't have to carry too much cash at once.

Try calling the EBT customer service directly rather than your caseworker for questions about ATM security. I had a similar issue trying to get through to my CalWORKs worker for weeks. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - basically they wait on hold for you and call when a real person answers. I was able to ask about card security and found out my county offers a mobile app that lets me freeze/unfreeze my EBT card instantly if I suspect something's wrong.

Thanks, I'll check out that service. Trying to get through to my worker is a nightmare. Did they tell you which mobile app to use? I don't think I have that.

my cousin said her caseworker told her to only use atms INSIDE stores not outside ones cuz those get hacked more. also theres a $1000 limit per day on how much u can take out just so u know

The daily limit depends on your county!! In LA county it's $800 per day not $1000. And some counties have different limits. The OP should check their benefit papers for the exact amount.

One thing nobody mentioned - if you have a California-issued ID, you can cash your EBT benefits at some check cashing places too. They'll charge a fee, but it might be worth it for peace of mind if you're really worried about card skimming. Just make sure to get a receipt and keep track of your balance.Also, NEVER share your PIN with anyone, even family members who say they're just trying to help you manage your benefits. The county considers this voluntary misuse and won't reimburse you if someone you gave your PIN to takes your money.

This is good advice about not sharing your PIN, but I'd be careful about check cashing places. Their fees can be really high compared to just using an in-store ATM or getting cash back with purchases. Some charge as much as 2-3% of the total amount, which adds up fast when you're on a tight budget.

I forgot to mention - you should also sign up for the BenefitsCal website/app if you haven't already. This lets you check your balance without using an ATM (which is safer) and you can set up alerts for unusual activity. Some counties also let you report suspected card theft directly through the portal instead of spending hours on the phone.If you ever do have money stolen, ask specifically about the EBT-4 form for emergency replacement benefits while your claim is being investigated. Not all workers tell you this exists, but it can help you get emergency funds faster.

Thank you so much! I'll definitely set up those alerts. And I had no idea about the emergency replacement form. I'm going to write down all this advice and keep it handy just in case something happens.

Just wanted to add a few more security tips that have worked for me: Always shield your PIN entry with your hand or body - skimming devices sometimes have tiny cameras that record you typing. Also, if an ATM ever "eats" your card or gives you an error message, don't try multiple times. Walk away immediately and call the EBT customer service number. I've seen people get their accounts drained because they kept trying when the ATM was compromised. One more thing - take a photo of the ATM before you use it, especially the card reader area. If something does happen, this can help investigators figure out if skimming devices were installed. Stay safe out there!

Hey Yuki! Just wanted to add that if you're really worried about security, you might want to consider withdrawing your full Cash Aid amount as soon as it loads each month and depositing it into your Chase account right away. I do this by getting cash back at grocery stores in $100 increments over a few days, then depositing the cash at Chase. It's a bit of work but gives me peace of mind knowing the money is in a more secure account with better fraud protection. Also, Chase has good mobile alerts so you'll know immediately if there's any suspicious activity on your account. Just make sure to keep some receipts showing you withdrew the cash legitimately in case there are ever any questions about the deposits.

I've been on CalWORKs for about 2 years now and learned the hard way about EBT security. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I first started: Never use ATMs at gas stations or convenience stores - stick to ones inside major grocery stores or banks. I use the ones at Safeway and Target mostly. Also, if you have a smartphone, download your county's EBT app right away and set up balance alerts. Mine sends me a text every time money comes off my card, so I know immediately if something fishy is happening. One trick I learned is to change my PIN every few months just to be extra safe - you can do this at most ATMs or by calling the customer service number. And definitely look into that direct deposit option others mentioned! My county (Sacramento) started offering it last year and it's been a game changer - no more worrying about card skimmers at all.

Hey everyone! I'm also pretty new to CalWORKs and this thread has been incredibly helpful. I wanted to add something I learned from my neighbor who's been receiving benefits for years - she told me to always check the ATM slot where you insert your card. If it looks loose, feels weird, or sticks out more than it should, don't use that machine. Scammers attach fake card readers right over the real ones. Also, I've been using the Wells Fargo ATMs inside their branches during business hours when possible - there are usually employees and security cameras around which makes me feel safer. One more tip: if you ever feel like someone is watching you enter your PIN or following you after using an ATM, go directly to a safe public place like inside a store or restaurant. Trust your instincts! It's better to be overly cautious with our benefits since we depend on them so much.

Hi Yuki! Welcome to CalWORKs - I know it can feel overwhelming at first, especially with all the security concerns. I've been receiving benefits for about 6 months now and wanted to share what's worked for me. I actually called the EBT customer service line (the number on the back of your card) and asked them to walk me through all the security features available. They told me about setting up account alerts, how to temporarily freeze my card if I'm worried about it being compromised, and which ATM networks are safest to use. One thing that really helped my peace of mind was learning I could check my balance online or through the app instead of at ATMs - that way I'm not exposing my card and PIN as often. Also, many counties now offer workshops on EBT safety - mine had one at the local library that covered everything from spotting skimmers to what to do if your benefits get stolen. Might be worth asking your caseworker if your county offers anything similar. The most important thing I learned is to act immediately if something seems off - don't wait and hope it's nothing. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask more questions!