Can't withdraw CalWORKs Cash Aid from out-of-state ATMs - help needed in Florida

Yes, there actually are restrictions on using your CalWORKs card out of state! This is something a lot of people don't realize until they travel. California has specific rules about using EBT cards across state lines, especially for cash withdrawals. You should be able to use your card at stores that accept EBT, but cash withdrawals can be tricky.Your best bet is to try a 7-Eleven or other convenience store that has ATMs specifically marked as accepting EBT. Some Publix grocery stores in Florida also have ATMs that work with out-of-state EBT cards. Just look for the Quest logo on the ATM.Also, make sure you're not hitting any monthly withdrawal limits - sometimes the error happens if you've already taken out your maximum for the month.

Thanks for the info! I had no idea there were restrictions. I'll try looking for ATMs with the Quest logo. Do you know if I should call someone to let them know I'm traveling? I'm worried they might think my card is stolen since it's being used in Florida.

same thing happened to me when i went to vegas last summer. couldn't get cash from the atm but the card worked fine at stores. i ended up just using the card for purchases instead of trying to get cash. kinda annoying but it worked ok

You need to try a store that accepts EBT and do cash back with purchase. Most big stores in Florida like Walmart and Publix will let you get cash back when you buy something. Just get a small item like a pack of gum, run it as EBT CASH (not SNAP/food benefits), and request cash back. That's how I got around this when I visited my sister in Georgia.The banking system treats out-of-state EBT cards differently than in-state ones. It's super frustrating but it's because each state has their own EBT processor and the systems don't always talk to each other properly for ATM withdrawals.

THIS! Cash back with purchase is the easiest way to get your money. I've had issues with ATMs in other states but never with cash back at register. Just watch out for the daily limits which are usually like $200 per transaction.

I travel between California and Arizona pretty often to help with my mom's health issues, and I've learned a few things about using CalWORKs benefits across state lines:1. ATMs often don't work for out-of-state EBT cash withdrawals, even at major banks2. Cash back at point-of-sale is much more reliable (Walmart, grocery stores)3. You don't need to notify the county you're traveling, but if you're gone more than 30 days it could affect your eligibility4. There's no restriction on using your benefits out of state for shorter tripsOne important thing: if you're having trouble accessing your benefits and need to contact your county worker about this or any other CalWORKs issue, I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that gets you through to a live CalWORKs worker without the endless hold times. I used it when my card was completely blocked once while traveling and they connected me to a real person in minutes instead of hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE showing how it works. Saved me so much stress when I was panicking about accessing my money.

Thanks for all this info! I'll definitely try the cash back option at Walmart tomorrow. Has anyone ever used that Claimyr service before? I'm not sure if I need to call my county worker yet but good to know that option exists if I keep having problems.

When I went to Texas last year my EBT card was rejected at EVERY bank ATM I tried!!! The system is RIGGED to make it hard for us to access OUR MONEY when we travel. I ended up having to do cash back at grocery stores $40 at a time which took FOREVER to get all my cash. And some stores made me buy something each time which wasted money! The county workers never warn you about this travel restriction BS. Just another way they control us and our money!!!

It's not actually a conspiracy lol. The ATM networks just don't all communicate with out-of-state benefit systems. It's a technical issue not a plot to control people. But yeah it is super annoying and they should definitely tell people about it before they travel!

try walmart self checkout u can get cashback there without talking to nobody

Just wanted to add something important: make sure you're not away from California for too long. If you're out of state for more than 30 consecutive days, your CalWORKs benefits could be affected since residency is an eligibility requirement. Not saying you can't travel - you absolutely can - but just be aware of the timeframe if you're planning to stay longer.Also, if you have any reporting due (like a SAR7 form) while you're away, make sure you still submit it on time. You can do it online through BenefitsCal now which makes it easier when traveling.

Thanks for the heads up! I'm only here for 2 weeks total so I should be fine with the 30-day rule. I actually did my SAR7 right before I left because I didn't want to deal with it while traveling.

This happened to me before too but I found out u can use any ATM with the MoneyPass logo on it!!! They work with out of state EBT cards. Look it up on Google maps

That's good to know about MoneyPass! Quest network ATMs are supposed to work too but they're getting harder to find. The cash back option is still the most reliable method in my experience.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned when I had a similar problem with my CalWORKs benefits while in Nevada. It actually worked pretty well - got me through to someone who explained exactly which ATMs would work with my card and why the bank ones were giving me errors. Saved me from having to wait on hold forever with the regular county line. Definitely worth it if you need to talk to someone directly about this.

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the advice! I tried Walmart today and was able to get cash back with my purchase using the EBT Cash option. I could only get $100 at a time so I had to do a couple small purchases to get what I needed, but it worked! For anyone else traveling out of state: don't bother with bank ATMs, just do cash back at registers with your EBT card.