Confused about CalWORKs EBT cash withdrawal limits/holding periods - need help ASAP

ive had this happen before!! sometimes it takes like 24-48 hrs for the money to be fully available for cash withdraw. if u just got it yesterday try again tomorrow. also make sure ur at an atm that doesnt charge fees cuz that eats up ur benefits fast

There's usually a 24-hour holding period after your Cash Aid is deposited before you can withdraw the full amount. This is a security measure implemented in 2023. However, there are also daily withdrawal limits which vary by county (typically $500-$1000). Make sure you're using an ATM that's CalWORKs-approved to avoid fees. The surcharge-free ATM network includes Bank of America, Chase, MoneyPass, and AllPoint locations. If you need immediate assistance with verifying when your funds will be fully available, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a county representative. They have a service that helps you skip the phone queues. I used it last month when I had a similar issue and got through in minutes instead of hours. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

Are you trying to take it all out at once??? That might be the problem. I think theres a limit like $500 per day or something. Try taking out smaller amounts if you need a lot.

My cousin had this exact same problem last month!! The county changed somthing in the system and didnt tell anyone. So frustrating how they expect us to pay bills on time but then they hold our money!!! Make sure you keep your withdrawal receipt because sometimes the ATM says it gave you money even when it doesn't and then you have to file a dispute which takes FOREVER to resolve.

sometimes its not about the waiting period but about which atm ur using. not all atms let u get cash from ebt even if they accept the card for balance checks. ive found that walmart money centers and bank of america atms always work for me but the random ones at gas stations are hit or miss.

Update from 2025: CalWORKs implemented some new security measures for cash withdrawals. Here's what you need to know: 1. 24-hour holding period after deposit before full withdrawal is available (security measure) 2. Daily withdrawal limits (usually $500-$800 depending on your county) 3. First withdrawal of a new benefit month may require additional verification If you want to avoid ATM fees, use: - Bank of America ATMs - Golden 1 Credit Union ATMs - MoneyPass network ATMs - Select grocery stores that offer cash back with purchase You can check if your funds are available for withdrawal by: - Checking the CalWORKs EBT Mobile App - Calling the EBT Customer Service line (early morning or late evening has shorter wait times) - Checking your balance at an ATM (this doesn't always show if funds are on hold though) If you need the money urgently for rent, some counties offer emergency assistance to prevent eviction. Call your caseworker on Monday if you still can't access your funds.

I'm glad you got your money sorted out! This is such a common issue and it's frustrating how the system works. For anyone else reading this thread, I wanted to add that if you're ever in a similar situation where you need emergency cash access, some counties also have agreements with certain check cashing places that will advance you a portion of your benefits for a small fee. It's not ideal because of the fees, but it can be a lifesaver when you're facing eviction. Also, if you have a good relationship with your landlord, many will accept a screenshot of your EBT balance as proof that payment is coming and give you a day or two extension. The key is communicating with them before you're late rather than after.

As someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for a while, I wanted to add that it's really important to keep track of when your benefits are deposited each month because that 24-hour hold period is pretty consistent now. I started marking it on my calendar so I know exactly when I can access the cash. Also, if you're ever worried about ATM fees eating into your benefits, some grocery stores like Vons and Safeway let you get cash back when you buy something small with your EBT card - just make sure to ask if there's a fee first. The whole system can be confusing and they definitely don't make it easy to understand all the rules, but this community has been so helpful for figuring things out!

Just wanted to add that if anyone is having trouble getting through to the EBT customer service line, the best times to call are usually right when they open (around 7 AM) or later in the evening before they close. I've noticed the wait times are much shorter then compared to calling during the middle of the day. Also, if you're ever stuck in a similar situation on a weekend, some 24-hour grocery stores like certain Walmarts have customer service desks that can help you check your EBT card status or even call the EBT line on your behalf. Not all locations do this, but it's worth asking if you're really desperate. The whole system definitely needs better communication about these policies!

I work at a county office and can confirm that the 24-hour hold is now standard across most California counties as of 2023. It was implemented to reduce fraud and give the system time to verify deposits. The policy should have been communicated better to recipients, but unfortunately many counties didn't do a good job with outreach. A few additional tips that might help others: - If you're ever completely unable to access your cash benefits due to a system error, you can request an emergency replacement card at your county office, but this usually takes 7-10 business days - Some counties offer emergency cash assistance if your EBT card is compromised or if there are system-wide issues preventing access to benefits - Always keep your receipts when withdrawing cash - if an ATM malfunctions and doesn't dispense money but shows a withdrawal, the receipt is crucial for filing a dispute The system definitely isn't perfect and I understand how stressful it can be when you need access to your benefits immediately. I'm glad you were able to get your money sorted out for rent!

I've been dealing with CalWORKs for about a year now and I just want to say how grateful I am for communities like this where we can actually get real, practical help from each other. The official channels are so hard to navigate and half the time the county workers don't even seem to know about policy changes themselves. Reading through everyone's responses here taught me more about how the EBT system actually works than anything I ever got from my caseworker. It's really sad that we have to crowdsource basic information about our own benefits, but at least we have each other. For anyone new to CalWORKs reading this - bookmark this thread! The tips about timing, ATM locations, daily limits, and emergency options are gold. And definitely consider setting up those text alerts someone mentioned - I'm going to do that right now.