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.