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

Just got approved for CalWORKs last month and I'm confused about where I can actually get my cash out. I tried using my EBT card at the gas station ATM near my apartment but it kept saying 'transaction not allowed'. Then I tried at Walgreens and same thing happened. Do I have to go to a specific bank or something? I need to pay my landlord by Friday and he only takes cash. Anyone know which ATMs actually work for Cash Aid withdrawals without charging crazy fees? I only get $712 for me and my daughter so don't want to waste money on ATM fees.

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.

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Thank you! I didn't know about the 4 free withdrawals. That's really good to know. I'll try Wells Fargo tomorrow since there's one close to my daughter's daycare. Is there a limit to how much I can take out at once?

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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

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Thanks for the tip about cashback at checkout! I didn't even think about that option. I'll try that next time I'm at Walmart.

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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.

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The EBT Edge app didn't work for me when I tried using it last month. It kept crashing everytime I tried to open it! Had to use the website instead which was annoying on my phone.

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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!!!

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I understand your frustration, but there are definitely ways to avoid those fees. Bank of America ATMs never charge a surcharge fee for EBT cards. And like others mentioned, getting cashback during a purchase (even buying something small like a candy bar) is another way to avoid fees completely. The system definitely has problems, but there are workarounds that can help.

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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

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I didn't know you could go to the teller! That's actually easier for me since I always get confused with the ATM options. Thanks for the tip about Claimyr too. I spent 3 hours on hold last week trying to ask about my card and ended up hanging up because I had to pick up my daughter.

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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

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Amina Sy

Just be careful with the cashback option - some stores have limits on how much you can get back. I tried to get $200 back at Target once and they told me their limit was $40. So if you need a larger amount, that might not work. But it's definitely good for avoiding fees!

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Amina Sy

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.

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Thank you so much for all this info! I tried a Wells Fargo ATM today and it worked! Didn't charge me any fees either. That tip about keeping receipts is smart - I'm going to start doing that.

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