Just got approved for CalWORKs Cash Aid but confused about how to access/use my benefits?

Congrats on your approval! CalWORKs Cash Aid is loaded onto an EBT card, but it's important to know this is different from your food benefits. Your EBT card has TWO accounts - one for Cash Aid and one for CalFresh (if you also get that). If you already have an EBT card for food benefits, your Cash Aid will be added to the same card but in the cash account. You can use the Cash Aid portion to: 1. Withdraw cash at ATMs (but watch out for fees at some locations) 2. Make purchases at stores (just select "EBT Cash" instead of "EBT Food") 3. Get cash back when making purchases If you don't have an EBT card yet, they should mail one to you within 7-10 days of approval. You'll get a separate letter with your PIN.

The cash benefits are loaded onto EBt and u can take it out at atm i alweys go to bank of america atms because its FREE no atm fee. at the store just push EBT CASH not food when u swipe. u can take cash out at store too if u want just ask 4 cash back

Your Cash Aid is loaded onto your EBT card based on the case number - it's usually the last digit of your case number that determines which day of the month you'll receive benefits. For example, if your case number ends in 1, you'll receive benefits on the 1st of each month. If it ends in 0, it's usually the 10th. Check your approval letter for your case number. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card (1-877-328-9677) or checking the EBT mobile app (it's called 'ebtEDGE' in the app store). Important: Keep your EBT receipts for at least a month in case there are any issues with your balance. And remember that not all ATMs are free - Bank of America ATMs won't charge a fee, but others might.

My cash aid is always 2 days late every month dont panic if it doesnt show up exactly on ur day. System glitches ALL THE TIME 🙄

If your approval JUST happened, you might get a prorated amount for your first month separate from your regular monthly payment. I was so confused when this happened to me - got a small payment right after approval (which was mid-month), then my regular amount on my assigned day the next month. Also, be careful using ATMs that aren't Bank of America - they'll charge you and those fees add up fast! Wells Fargo charges like $3 per withdrawal which is ridiculous when you're already on limited income.

I had this same issue last year. Couldnt reach anyone at the county to explain how to use my benefits!! I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at the county. They connected me directly to a worker who explained everything about my cash benefits. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Worth it cuz I had other questions about my welfare to work requirements too that I got answered all at once instead of waiting weeks.

Evry1 saying EBT card but SOMTIMES they do direct deposit!!! I get mine in my bank account. You have to fill out a form for direct deposit tho. Ask ur worker for the form if u want direct deposit instead. Its WAY better cuz no ATM fees ever and money comes midnight exact on ur day.

this is why the system is BROKEN!!! they approve u but don't even tell u how to get ur benefits?? typical government nonsense. ive been on cash aid for 3 years and still have problems with my card randomly not working and when u call the ebt number they just transfer u back to the county who NEVER answers. hope u have better luck than me!!

Just to add to what others have said - when you use your EBT card for Cash Aid, you can buy almost anything except: - Alcohol - Cigarettes - Gambling - Adult entertainment - Items from liquor stores Also, you can't use the Cash Aid portion of your EBT card in casinos, liquor stores, adult entertainment venues, or marijuana dispensaries - even for non-restricted items. This is different from CalFresh which has more restrictions on what you can buy but fewer restrictions on where you can shop. One more tip: set up text alerts for your EBT card by calling the number on the back or through the ebtEDGE app. That way you'll get a text when your benefits are deposited each month.

Hey Zara! Congrats on getting approved! 🎉 I know how stressful that wait can be. Just wanted to add a couple quick tips that helped me when I first started getting Cash Aid: 1. Your benefits should be available starting at 6 AM on your designated day (the 3rd for you), not midnight like some people think 2. If you're planning to pay rent with your Cash Aid, some landlords accept money orders which you can buy at most grocery stores with your EBT card - just ask for "cash back" when you make a small purchase 3. Keep track of your spending because unlike CalFresh, there's no monthly "reset" - once you use your Cash Aid for the month, that's it until next month Also, since you mentioned your worker is hard to reach, definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned if you have more questions. The county offices are super overwhelmed right now. Good luck with everything and welcome to the community! 💪

Hey Zara! First off, congrats on getting approved - I know that process can be a nightmare! Just wanted to share something that might help you feel more prepared: when you first get your EBT card (or when the cash benefits get added), I'd recommend doing a small test transaction before you really need the money. Like go to a grocery store and buy something small, then ask for $20 cash back using the EBT Cash option. That way you'll know everything's working properly before you need to pay rent or other big expenses. Also, if you end up having issues with your card not working (it happens sometimes), most grocery store customer service desks can check your balance for you if the phone number or app isn't working. They can't fix problems but at least you'll know if it's a balance issue or a card issue. One last thing - keep your approval letter and any other CalWORKs paperwork in a safe place! You might need it for other services or if there are ever any questions about your case. Hope your first payment goes smoothly! This community is super helpful so don't hesitate to ask if you run into any other issues. 😊

Hey Zara! Congrats on getting approved! 🎉 I remember being in your exact same situation a few years ago - got the approval letter but was totally clueless about how to actually get my money! Everyone here has given you great info, but I wanted to add one more thing that saved me a lot of stress: if you're planning to use your Cash Aid for bills like utilities or rent, many companies now accept EBT payments online or over the phone. Just call and ask if they accept "EBT Cash" payments - some utility companies, phone companies, and even some property management companies do this now. It's way more convenient than getting money orders or cash. Also, since you mentioned your worker is impossible to reach, definitely save the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in your phone. They can help with card issues, balance questions, and PIN problems without having to go through your county office. You've got this mama! Having that financial support will make such a difference for you and your little one. Welcome to the community - we're all here to help each other navigate this system! 💪

Hey Zara! Congratulations on your approval! 🎉 I know how overwhelming it can feel when you're new to the system. One thing I don't think anyone mentioned yet - if you have trouble finding a Bank of America ATM for free withdrawals, you can also use ATMs at any Cardtronics location (they're usually in 7-Eleven stores, Walgreens, and some other places). Those are also fee-free for EBT Cash withdrawals. Also, just a heads up that your first month might be a little confusing timing-wise since you were approved mid-month. You'll probably get a partial payment for the rest of March (since you were approved on the 18th), and then your regular full monthly amount will start coming on the 3rd of each month going forward. And definitely keep calling that EBT number (1-877-328-9677) to check your balance in the first few days after the 3rd - sometimes there can be processing delays but you'll want to know if it's actually deposited or if there's an issue that needs to be resolved. You're doing great navigating this - being proactive and asking questions is exactly the right approach! Your little one is lucky to have such a resourceful mom. 💛

Hey Zara! Congrats on your approval! 🎉 Just wanted to add one more helpful tip that I wish someone had told me when I first started getting Cash Aid - if you ever need to dispute a transaction or report your card lost/stolen, write down the date, time, and location of every ATM withdrawal or purchase you make. I learned this the hard way when my card got skimmed at a sketchy ATM and I had to prove which transactions were mine vs. the fraudulent ones. Also, if you're ever in a situation where you need cash but all the free ATMs are far away, some grocery stores like Safeway and Lucky will let you get cash back with a small purchase using EBT Cash with no extra fees. Just buy something cheap like a banana and ask for cash back - way better than paying $3+ at a random ATM! The learning curve feels steep at first but you'll get the hang of it quickly. Everyone here has given you amazing advice - this community really is the best resource for navigating CalWORKs! Welcome aboard! 😊