Confused about CalWORKs EBT cash withdrawal limits/holding periods - need help ASAP
Hi everyone, I just got my CalWORKs payment deposited yesterday on my EBT card and tried to withdraw the cash today but the ATM wouldn't let me take it out. I've never had this problem before. Does anyone know if there's some kind of waiting period now before you can withdraw cash from your EBT? I have rent due in 3 days and I'm starting to panic. Called the EBT customer service number but after 40 minutes on hold I gave up. The county office is closed until Monday and I really need this figured out before then.
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StarStrider
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
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thank you! I'll try again tomorrow morning. Do you know if all the money becomes available at once or is there a daily limit on cash withdrawals? I need to take out almost all of it for rent.
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Dylan Campbell
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
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•I had no idea about the 24-hour hold! Thank you for explaining that. I've been on CalWORKs for 2 years and this is the first time I've had this problem, but I usually don't try to withdraw the money right away. I'll look into those ATMs. If I can't get it tomorrow I might try that Claimyr thing because I absolutely can't be late on rent again.
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Sofia Torres
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.
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Dmitry Sokolov
•You're right, there are daily withdrawal limits. In most California counties, the standard daily ATM withdrawal limit for CalWORKs EBT cards is $500, though some counties have raised it to $800 after the recent benefit increase. The 24-hour holding period is also standard policy, though it's not always enforced consistently which is why some people don't notice it. Today is Saturday, so if you got your deposit Friday, you should definitely be able to access funds by Sunday. Make sure to check your balance through the EBT mobile app or by calling the number on the back of your card before attempting withdrawal again.
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Ava Martinez
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.
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Miguel Ramos
•THIS!!! The county is always changing rules without proper notification! I've been on CalWORKs for 5 years now and they've changed the cash withdrawal process THREE TIMES. First they added the 24-hour hold, then they reduced the daily limit amount, now they've added some new verification step at certain ATMs. It's RIDICULOUS when they know we need this money for essential bills!! OP, if you're in a real bind and Monday is too late, you might qualify for emergency assistance through your county office. Some counties have weekend emergency lines specifically for these situations. Check your approval notice for emergency contact info.
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QuantumQuasar
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.
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Dmitry Sokolov
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.
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Fatima Al-Qasimi
•Thank you for this detailed information! I tried again this morning and was able to withdraw $500, so I think it was both the holding period and the daily limit causing my problem. I'll get the rest tomorrow which will still be in time for rent. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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