How to avoid ATM fees when withdrawing CalWORKs Cash Aid?

You should definitely be using cash back at stores! That's the easiest way to avoid ATM fees with your CalWORKs EBT card. When you shop at places like Walmart, Target, grocery stores, etc., just select "cash back" when you use your EBT card at checkout. You can usually get up to $200 back depending on the store. No fees at all! Also, Bank of America ATMs don't charge fees for CalWORKs EBT cards in California. Your card is basically connected to a BofA account. The State has a contract with them specifically for this purpose.

THEY DONT TELL U THIS but u can also get cash at the actual welfare office sometimes!! I go to the one in my county and they have an ATM right there with NO FEES. Also try credit unions some of them dont charge for EBT cards but it depends on which one. The fees are BS honestly taking money from ppl who already dont have enough!!!! Makes me so mad

i get cash back at the 99 cent store every time i shop there, no fees. grocery stores work too but i always have problems at walgreens, they say they do cashback but the machine never works with ebt cards for some reason

One important thing to remember is that you don't have to withdraw all your benefits at once. I used to do that and then I'd spend it too quickly. Now I just get what I need for the week using cash back at the grocery store. Usually $40-60 at a time. Helps me budget better and I never pay ATM fees anymore. Also, if you're having trouble reaching your CalWORKs worker to ask questions about your EBT card or benefits, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helps you get through to a real person at the county office without waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. I used it when my card wasn't working properly and got through in minutes instead of hours.

In addition to the great suggestions already mentioned, you should also know that you can check which ATMs are surcharge-free for your EBT card by visiting the California EBT website (www.ebt.ca.gov) or by calling the number on the back of your card. They can provide you with a list of surcharge-free ATMs in your area. Also, don't forget that you can use your EBT card to pay bills directly in some cases (like rent) if your landlord accepts electronic payments. This way you don't have to withdraw the cash at all for some of your major expenses.

Im new to CalWORKs too and made the mistake of using the ATM at the gas station near my apartment. They charged me $4.95!!! Highway robbery!! My neighbor told me that Winco grocery stores give cash back with no fee if you have one nearby. Also dollar stores usually do too. I've been doing that ever since.

has anyone tried the cash app or venmo to tranfer the money? i heard someone say they link their ebt card but idk if thats even possible or if theyd charge fees too

I always do my shopping at Food 4 Less and get cash back there. No fees and I can get up to $200 back. Also I think CVS does cash back with EBT too.

Just a reminder that you can also check your balance before withdrawing money by calling the number on the back of your EBT card or checking online at www.ebt.ca.gov. This helps avoid trying to withdraw more than you have (which can sometimes result in fees) and helps you keep track of your benefits throughout the month. To summarize the best no-fee options for getting cash from your CalWORKs EBT card: 1. Bank of America ATMs 2. Cash back at grocery stores, dollar stores, and retailers 3. ATMs at county welfare offices 4. Some credit union ATMs (check first) Hope this helps you avoid those unnecessary fees going forward!