How to add debit card to EBT Edge app for CalWORKs Cash Aid direct deposit?

u cant add ur debit card to the ebt app. thats not how it works. u gotta call the county to setup direct deposit to ur bank account. they send u a form to fill out. i did this last year cuz i hate using the ebt card for cash.

The EBT Edge app doesn't have a feature to link your personal debit card. For CalWORKs Cash Aid direct deposit, you need to complete form CW 2208 (Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Direct Deposit Authorization). You can actually download this form on the county website or BenefitsCal portal instead of waiting on the phone. You'll need to submit the completed form along with a voided check or direct deposit authorization form from your bank. Once processed (usually takes 7-10 business days), your Cash Aid will be deposited directly into your bank account instead of onto your EBT card.

I tried doing this last year and it was such a NIGHTMARE!!!! They kept saying my form was incomplete but wouldn't tell me what was missing. Then when I finally got it "approved" they still put my money on the EBT card for THREE MONTHS before it actually started going to my bank!!! And nobody could tell me why!!!! I ended up just giving up and using the stupid EBT card. The system is DESIGNED to fail I swear.

I had a similar issue trying to reach someone at the CalWORKs office about direct deposit setup. After 2 weeks of calling, I finally used Claimyr.com to get through - it lets you skip the phone queue and they call you back when a real person is on the line. There's a quick video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. Saved me hours of waiting and getting disconnected. Once I got through, they emailed me the direct deposit form right away and I had it set up within a week.

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: CalWORKs Cash Aid direct deposit and the EBT Edge app are two separate things. The app is only for managing your EBT card benefits. For direct deposit, you need: 1. Form CW 2208 (as mentioned above) 2. Bank account information (routing and account numbers) 3. A voided check or bank verification letter You can submit this form: - In person at your county office - By mail to your county office - Through BenefitsCal by uploading it as a document (select "Direct Deposit Authorization" as document type) Processing typically takes 1-2 benefit cycles to take effect. Until then, benefits will continue to your EBT card. The most common reasons for rejection are illegible bank information or missing signature, so make sure those are clear. Also, once direct deposit is set up, you'll no longer receive Cash Aid on your EBT card, but any CalFresh (food) benefits will still go to your EBT card.

my cousin tried 2 do this and they rejected her form cuz she had a chime account. they told her it had 2 be a traditional bank account not one of those online banks. not sure if thats still true in 2025 but something 2 watch out 4

I finally got my direct deposit working after THREE attemts. One thing nobody mentioned - if you change your address with CalWORKs during the direct deposit setup process it automatically cancels your direct deposit request!!!! Makes NO SENSE but that's what happened to me. Also make sure you're still checking the BenefitsCal portal even after you think it's set up because sometimes they send messages there instead of actually calling you if there's a problem with your form.

Just wanted to add my experience - I successfully set up direct deposit about 6 months ago and it's been working great! A few tips that helped me: 1. When filling out form CW 2208, use black ink and write very clearly - I've heard messy handwriting is a common reason for rejection 2. Double-check your routing and account numbers against your bank's website, not just your checks (sometimes printed checks have errors) 3. If you submit through BenefitsCal, take screenshots of the upload confirmation page in case you need proof later 4. Keep using your EBT card for a few cycles after submitting - don't assume it worked until you see the money in your bank account The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from submission to first direct deposit. Way better than dealing with the EBT card for cash! Good luck getting yours set up.