EDD debit card showing 'Cash Benefits' option - can I withdraw cash for groceries?

There's definitely some confusion here. The EDD unemployment benefits through Money Network don't have separate Food/Cash options - that sounds like you might be looking at a CalFresh (SNAP/food stamps) card or possibly a combo card that has multiple benefits. Regular unemployment benefits don't have restrictions on what you can purchase - it's just regular money that's loaded onto your debit card. You can withdraw cash from ATMs (with fee limitations) or use it as a regular debit card for purchases. For unemployment, there's no separate "Food" vs "Cash" option when you use it. If you're seeing those options, you might want to double-check what type of benefits you're actually receiving.

ur not using the EDD card. thats a SNAP/calfresh card. edd cards dont have food/cash options, just regular debit card

As others have pointed out, you're confusing your benefit cards. The EDD Money Network card is a regular Visa debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. It doesn't have purchase restrictions or separate food/cash options. What you're describing is definitely a CalFresh/SNAP EBT card. Those cards DO have a food purchase option and sometimes a cash option if you receive other benefits like CalWORKs. The SNAP/EBT cash option is only available if you're enrolled in certain cash assistance programs. You can't just withdraw the value of your food benefits as cash - that would defeat the purpose of the food assistance program. To keep things organized, I suggest labeling your cards if you have multiple benefit cards. The EDD card is specifically for your unemployment benefits.

OMG I MADE THE SAME MISTAKE WHEN I FIRST GOT BOTH CARDS!!! The EDD card is the plain visa debit one, not the one with the food/cash option. The EDD one is just a regular debit card where your unemployment $$ goes. The one with food/cash is SNAP/CalFresh. I was so confused too!!!!

Like everyone said, you're looking at an EBT card, not your EDD card. But since you're on unemployment, let me mention something helpful - if you're having trouble reaching EDD about any issues with your unemployment benefits (not the food stamps), I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to EDD agents when you can't get through on your own. Saved me hours of redial hell. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km As for your actual EDD card (the Money Network one), you can use it anywhere or withdraw cash at ATMs, but watch out for fees at non-partner ATMs.

Sounds like you got ur answer but just to add another point - the EDD Money Network card can be used at ATMs too. I usually just transfer the money to my regular bank account tho, its easier that way. You can set up the direct trasfer on the Money Network website after you register your card. Makes things way simpler!

Just wanted to share that I had the same confusion when I first started getting benefits. The SNAP/EBT card with food/cash options is totally different from the Money Network EDD card. I actually rubber-banded mine with little sticky notes so I wouldn't mix them up at the store. Been there!

Since this question has been answered, I want to add some general info that might help others: 1. EDD Money Network card: This is a regular Visa debit card for unemployment benefits. No purchase restrictions, can be used anywhere Visa is accepted or at ATMs. 2. EBT/CalFresh card: This has the Food/Cash benefit options. Food benefits can ONLY be used for eligible food items. The Cash option is ONLY available if you're enrolled in cash assistance programs like CalWORKs. 3. The two systems are completely separate. Your unemployment benefits never appear on your EBT card, and your food benefits never appear on your EDD card. Hope this helps others who might be navigating multiple benefit programs!

This is such a common mix-up! I work with folks applying for benefits and see this confusion all the time. You're definitely looking at your EBT/CalFresh card, not your EDD unemployment card. Just to add to what others have said - if you do have both cards, here are some quick ways to tell them apart: - EDD Money Network card: Usually says "Money Network" and has unemployment benefit funds, works like any debit card - EBT card: Says "Golden State Advantage" or similar, has the food/cash benefit options you described The EDD card has no spending restrictions - you can buy groceries, gas, pay bills, whatever you need. The EBT card is specifically for food purchases (and cash benefits only if you qualify for programs like CalWORKs). Glad you got it sorted out! It's totally normal to be confused when you're dealing with multiple benefit programs.