You can withdraw cash from your EBT card at ATMs and some stores, but only from the TANF or cash assistance portion of your benefits
EBT cards carry two separate accounts: one for food benefits (SNAP) and one for cash assistance (TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). You can only withdraw cash from the TANF side. If your card carries only SNAP benefits, you cannot withdraw cash at all — you can only use it to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The cash withdrawal process itself is straightforward: find an ATM that accepts your card's network (usually Visa or Mastercard), insert your card, enter your PIN, and select the withdrawal amount. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also let you withdraw cash back when you make a purchase, though this option is less common than it used to be.
The real limits are on how much you can withdraw and how often. Your state sets daily and monthly withdrawal limits, and these vary widely. Some states allow $500 per day; others allow $200. Some have no daily limit but cap monthly withdrawals. Your cardholder agreement or your state's EBT program website will show your specific limits.
Key Takeaways
- Only the cash assistance portion of your EBT card can be withdrawn as cash; SNAP food benefits cannot be withdrawn and can only be used to buy food.
- You withdraw cash at ATMs or by requesting cash back at the register, using your PIN just like a debit card.
- Your state sets daily and monthly withdrawal limits, which you can find in your cardholder agreement or on your state's EBT website.
- ATM fees may apply depending on the machine and your card's network, so using your state's network or in-network ATMs saves money.
Finding ATMs that accept your EBT card
Your EBT card runs on a payment network — usually Visa, Mastercard, or a state-specific network. Most ATMs accept these cards, but not all. The easiest way to find one is to look for the network logo on the ATM itself, or use the ATM locator on your card issuer's website.
Your state's EBT program website usually has a link to an ATM finder tool. For example, California's program links to the Visa Plus network locator, and New York links to the NYCE network. These tools let you search by zip code and show you which machines are nearby.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores often have ATMs in-network with your card. Using an in-network machine usually means no fee, or a lower fee than out-of-network machines. If you use an out-of-network ATM, expect to pay $1 to $3 per withdrawal.
Daily and monthly withdrawal limits by state
Every state sets its own limits on how much cash you can withdraw from TANF benefits. These limits change, and some states have adjusted them during economic hardship. You need to check your specific state's rules rather than assume a national standard.
Common daily limits range from $200 to $500, but some states have no daily limit. Monthly limits are less common but do exist in some states. Your cardholder agreement — the document you received when you got your card — lists your state's limits. If you no longer have it, call the customer service number on the back of your card or visit your state's EBT website.
If you hit your daily limit, you can usually withdraw again the next calendar day. If you hit a monthly limit, you have to wait until the next month. Some states reset limits on the first of the month; others reset on the date you received your benefits.
Using cash back at the register instead of an ATM
Many stores let you request cash back when you swipe your EBT card at checkout. This works the same way as with a debit card: you tell the cashier how much cash you want back, they add it to your total, and you get the money. You do not need to know your PIN in advance, though you may be asked to enter it at the register.
Cash back at the register is often free, unlike ATM withdrawals, which may carry fees. However, not all stores offer this service, and some have their own limits on how much cash back they will give. Grocery stores are most likely to offer it; smaller convenience stores may not.
The cash back amount counts toward your daily and monthly withdrawal limits just like an ATM withdrawal does. If you withdraw $100 at an ATM and then request $50 cash back at the store, you have used $150 of your daily limit.
What happens if you exceed your withdrawal limit
If you try to withdraw more than your daily limit allows, the ATM or register will decline the transaction. You will not be charged a fee for a declined withdrawal, and the money will not come out of your account. You simply cannot complete that withdrawal at that moment.
You can try again the next day (or whenever your state's limit resets). If you regularly need more cash than your limit allows, contact your state's EBT program to ask whether your limit can be reviewed or adjusted. Some states have processes for requesting higher limits in specific situations, though approval is not may provide.
Protecting your PIN and card
Your EBT card works like a debit card, and your PIN is your only protection against someone else using it. Never share your PIN with anyone, including family members, friends, or EBT program staff. EBT staff will never ask for your PIN over the phone or in person.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the customer service number on the back of your card (or on your cardholder agreement) right away. Your state can freeze the card and issue a replacement. Any fraudulent withdrawals made after you report the card missing are usually not your responsibility, but you need to report it quickly.
When you use an ATM, shield the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN, and take your card and receipt with you. Do not leave your receipt at the machine, as it shows your account balance and the last four digits of your card number.
Fees and charges you might encounter
ATM fees are the most common charge. Out-of-network ATMs typically charge $1 to $3 per withdrawal. In-network ATMs (those run by your card's payment network or your state's EBT program) are usually free. Some banks also charge a fee if you use their ATM with an out-of-network card, so you may be charged twice — once by the ATM operator and once by your bank.
Cash back at the register is usually free, even at out-of-network stores. Some stores may decline to give cash back or limit the amount, but they rarely charge a fee for it.
If your account goes negative (you withdraw more than you have), your state's EBT program may charge an overdraft fee. This is rare with TANF benefits because your benefits are loaded on a set schedule, but it can happen if you withdraw cash and then your benefits are reduced or delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw cash from my SNAP food benefits?
No. SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food at authorized retailers. The cash withdrawal feature only works with TANF (cash assistance) benefits. If your EBT card carries only SNAP, you cannot withdraw cash at all.
What if I forgot my PIN?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your cardholder agreement. The program can reset your PIN or issue a temporary one. You will need to verify your identity, usually by providing your Social Security number or date of birth.
Do I pay taxes on cash I withdraw from my EBT card?
No. TANF benefits are not taxable income, so withdrawing cash does not create a tax liability. The money is already yours — you are just accessing it in cash form instead of using it at a store.
Can someone else withdraw cash using my card?
Only if they know your PIN. Your PIN is the only thing protecting your account. If someone has your card and your PIN, they can withdraw cash. If someone has only your card, they cannot use it without the PIN.
What if an ATM took my card and did not return it?
Call your card issuer's customer service number right away. They can freeze the card so no one else can use it and order a replacement. The ATM operator may also have your card in a holding area, so ask when you call whether you can pick it up at that location.