Where can I withdraw CalWORKs Cash Aid money? EBT card not working at some ATMs

You can withdraw your Cash Aid at most major bank ATMs without fees! Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, etc. all work. Avoid those small ATMs in gas stations and convenience stores - they often don't accept EBT cards or charge huge fees. Also, you get 4 free ATM withdrawals per month before they start charging you $1 per withdrawal. I'd recommend taking out larger amounts fewer times to avoid those fees. Also look for the 'California Quest' logo on ATMs - those are guaranteed to work with your EBT card. Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and major supermarkets usually have ATMs that work too.

i alway use walmart or foodmaxx atm when i get my cash aid. never had problem there. or grocery store. dont use the lil ATMs in gas station they dont work for ebt and charge like $4 fee!!! also u can get cashback when u buy something at walmart or grocery store just select cashback at checkout

To properly answer your question: You can withdraw your CalWORKs Cash Aid from: 1. ATMs with the Quest logo (typically major bank ATMs) 2. Bank tellers at most major banks 3. Cashback when making purchases at grocery stores and some retailers You get 4 free ATM withdrawals each month with your EBT card. After that, there's a $1 fee per withdrawal. The daily ATM withdrawal limit is usually $1000, but most ATMs have their own limits (often $200-$400 per transaction). I'd also recommend downloading the EBT Edge mobile app - it helps you locate nearby ATMs that work with your EBT card and shows which ones have no surcharges.

THE WHOLE EBT SYSTEM IS A JOKE!! I tried 5 different ATMs once and NONE of them worked with my card!! Then when I finally found one that worked it charged me $3.50 fee ON TOP of the $1 that CalWORKs charges after your free withdrawals!! THAT'S 1.5% OF MY WHOLE BENEFIT JUST TO ACCESS MY MONEY!!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us poor!!!

Something nobody mentioned yet is that you can also go inside most banks and withdraw your Cash Aid from a teller with your EBT card and PIN. You just need your ID. I do this when I need to withdraw larger amounts over the ATM limit. Also, if you ever have trouble reaching CalWORKs to ask questions about accessing your benefits, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that connects you directly to a CalWORKs worker without the endless hold times. It was super helpful when my card wasn't working and I needed immediate assistance. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their video demo: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

i think u can also get cash back when u buy sumthin at the store? like i always just buy a soda or whatever at target an ask for cash back its free that way

When I first got CalWORKs, I was so confused about the whole EBT card thing too! I learned that for Cash Aid specifically: • Most major bank ATMs work (BofA, Chase, Wells Fargo) • You get 4 free withdrawals per month • After 4 withdrawals, there's a $1 fee each time • Daily ATM withdrawal limit is usually $1000 but most ATMs have lower limits • You can also get cash back at grocery stores which doesn't count toward your 4 free withdrawals • The EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) can tell you your exact balance too Also, keep your withdrawal receipts! Sometimes there are errors and you'll need those receipts to prove you didn't receive the money if there's a problem.

One thing I'd add that helped me a lot when I started CalWORKs - if you're ever unsure about whether an ATM will work, look for the "Quest" logo on the machine. That's the network that processes EBT transactions. Also, some grocery stores like Safeway and Vons let you get cash back with your EBT card when you buy something, even if it's just a pack of gum. This doesn't count against your 4 free ATM withdrawals either! I usually do this when I need cash and I'm already shopping for groceries. It's saved me from making extra trips to find an ATM that works.

I had the same problem when I first got my EBT card! What really helped me was downloading the "ConnectEBT" app on my phone - it has a map feature that shows you all the nearby ATMs that accept EBT cards and tells you which ones charge fees. Way better than driving around trying different machines. Also, if you're ever stuck and need cash urgently, most 7-Eleven stores let you get cashback with a small purchase using your EBT card. Just buy a bottle of water or something and ask for cashback at checkout. It's saved me so many times when I couldn't find a working ATM!

Here's something that might help - I've found that Credit Union ATMs are often really reliable for EBT withdrawals too. Places like Golden 1 Credit Union or Schools First Federal Credit Union usually don't charge surcharge fees for EBT transactions. Also, if you're in a bind and need cash fast, some Walmart locations have customer service desks where you can withdraw cash directly with your EBT card and ID - no ATM needed. They can usually do larger amounts than the ATM limits too. Just make sure to bring your ID and know your PIN. The customer service option has been a lifesaver for me when all the ATMs seemed to be down or out of service.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their tips! As someone who's also pretty new to CalWORKs (got approved about 6 months ago), I remember how overwhelming it was trying to figure out the whole EBT card system. One thing that really helped me was calling the customer service number on the back of my EBT card - they can tell you your exact balance and also help you find ATMs near you that work with the card. The wait time isn't usually too bad, maybe 5-10 minutes. Also, I've had good luck with ATMs at Costco and Sam's Club if you have memberships there. They never seem to have issues with EBT cards and don't charge extra fees. It's such a relief when you find reliable spots where you know your card will work!