EBT card not working at ATMs for CalWORKs Cash Aid withdrawal - keeps getting rejected

Check if your card is activated for Cash Aid access. Sometimes when they issue new cards or replace them, they don't automatically enable the cash withdrawal function. You might need to call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card to make sure that function is turned on. Also, some ATMs have a $200 daily withdrawal limit so if you're trying to take out more than that, it'll decline.

Do you have a PIN set up for your Cash Aid? It's different from your CalFresh PIN sometimes. Also, make sure you're pressing the right buttons - some ATMs require you to select "WITHDRAW FROM CHECKING" (not savings) when using EBT for Cash Aid. And not all ATMs work with EBT even if they're bank ATMs - you should look for ones that specifically have the EBT logo on them to avoid fees too. There's usually a list of surcharge-free ATMs on the California EBT website.

ur proly using the wrong side of the card lol. one sides for calfresh (food) and other sides for cash aid. i used to get confused 2.

I had THIS EXACT PROBLEM last month! Turns out my cash benefits got suspended because I didn't turn in my SAR7 report on time. The system still showed a balance online because it takes a few days to update, but the card was already blocked from withdrawals!!! Check your mail - bet you got a notice about missing paperwork or verification and didn't realize it. The county NEVER CALLS to warn you before they cut your benefits!!!!

The status online isn't always updated right away. Sometimes it stays "active" for DAYS after they've already suspended your benefits!!! Open that mail ASAP!!! If it is a suspension notice, you'll need to submit whatever verification they're asking for IMMEDIATELY.

Have you tried getting cash back at a store instead of an ATM? Sometimes when my card isn't working at ATMs, I just go to Walmart or grocery store, buy something small like a candy bar, and do cash back at the register. Usually works even when ATMs are being stupid. Might be worth a try.

This happened to me last year. My card was blocked because someone reported I was working and not reporting income (I wasn't!). Try calling EBT customer service first. If they say your card is fine, then you definitely need to talk to your county worker ASAP.

If you need to reach your CalWORKs caseworker quickly, try using Claimyr. I was having so much trouble getting through to my county office - kept getting disconnected after waiting for hours. Claimyr got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when a worker picks up. Saved me so much time and stress. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

UPDATE: Just opened the mail from the county and you guys were right... they sent me a notice saying I needed to verify my housing costs but I never saw it until now. Just called using that Claimyr service (which was actually super helpful!) and got through to my worker. She said my benefits are on hold until I submit my rent receipt. Submitting it today, and she said my card should work again in 48 hours. Thanks everyone for the help!

Glad you figured it out! This is a good reminder for everyone on CalWORKs to open county mail right away and check your BenefitsCal account regularly. The verification requirements can pop up anytime, not just at recertification. Always keep copies of your rent receipts, utility bills, pay stubs, etc. so you can submit them quickly if needed. Hope your benefits get restored fast!

This is such a common issue! I'm glad you got it sorted out. For anyone else reading this, another tip is to set up text alerts through BenefitsCal so you get notified immediately when there are changes to your case or when verification is needed. You can do this in your online account settings. Also, if you move, make sure to update your address right away because missing mail from the county is one of the fastest ways to lose benefits. The county is required to send notices but they're not responsible if you don't receive them at an old address.

This thread is so helpful! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea about the text alerts or that verification requests could come up randomly. Quick question - when you submit verification documents, is it better to do it online through BenefitsCal or take them to the office in person? I'm worried about documents getting lost in the system and want to make sure they actually receive what I send.

Great thread! This is exactly why I always recommend keeping a folder (physical or digital) with copies of all your important documents - rent receipts, utility bills, pay stubs, bank statements, etc. That way when the county asks for verification, you can submit it same day instead of scrambling to get copies from your landlord or employer. Also, pro tip: if you're having trouble with your EBT card working at ATMs, you can also try calling the EBT customer service number and asking them to do a "test transaction" - sometimes there are temporary system issues on their end that they can clear up over the phone. Glad everything worked out for you @Aisha Mohammed!

So glad this worked out for you! This is exactly why I always tell people to check their mail from the county immediately - they're really strict about those verification deadlines. One thing I learned the hard way is to always submit documents with a few days to spare if possible, because sometimes there are processing delays on their end. Also, for future reference, if you ever can't find a specific document they're asking for (like a rent receipt), most county offices will accept a sworn statement as temporary verification while you get the official document. You just have to sign a form stating the information under penalty of perjury. Not ideal, but it can buy you time if you're close to a deadline. Hope your card starts working again soon!

This whole thread is so educational! I'm fairly new to CalWORKs (just got approved 3 months ago) and honestly had no idea about so many of these things. The text alerts, keeping organized document folders, the sworn statement option - wish someone had told me all this when I first applied! I've been living in constant anxiety about doing something wrong and losing my benefits. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel way more prepared. Already logged into BenefitsCal to set up those text notifications and bookmarked that Claimyr website. Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge - this community is seriously a lifesaver for those of us still figuring everything out!

This is such a valuable thread for everyone! I've been on CalWORKs for about a year and I wish I had known about some of these resources earlier. Just wanted to add that if anyone is having trouble getting through to their county office by phone, you can also try going to the office first thing in the morning (like 8:30am when they open) - you'll usually have better luck getting help in person before they get swamped with calls and walk-ins later in the day. Also, if you ever have to submit the same type of verification multiple times (like rent receipts), ask your caseworker if they can put a note in your file about your housing situation being stable - sometimes this can reduce how often they ask for the same documents. Great job getting everything sorted out @Aisha Mohammed and thanks everyone for all the helpful tips!