What you can and cannot withdraw from an EBT card

Your EBT card works like a debit card for the food benefits portion of your account, but you cannot withdraw cash from that part. Food benefits can only be used to buy may be able to access food items at stores that accept SNAP. However, if your state includes TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families) cash information on the same card, you can withdraw that money at ATMs and get cash back at stores.

The key difference is the account type. SNAP food benefits are restricted by federal law to food purchases only. TANF cash information has no such restriction—once it is in your account, you can use it like regular money. Not every state puts both programs on one card, so the first step is knowing which programs are loaded on yours.

If you have only SNAP on your card, you will not see an ATM withdrawal option. If you have TANF cash information, you will see a separate balance for that portion, and you can access it at any ATM that accepts your card's network (usually Visa or Mastercard).

Key Takeaways

  • SNAP food benefits cannot be withdrawn as cash under any circumstance, but TANF cash information on the same card can be withdrawn at ATMs.
  • Your EBT card statement shows separate balances for food benefits and cash information if both are on your account.
  • ATM withdrawals of TANF cash may charge a fee depending on which ATM you use and your state's card issuer.
  • You can also get cash back when you buy something at a store, using your TANF balance without paying an ATM fee.

How to withdraw TANF cash at an ATM

If your state loads TANF cash information on your EBT card, find any ATM that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo (whichever network your card uses). Insert your card, enter your PIN, and select "Withdrawal." The ATM will show your available balance—this is your TANF cash only, not your food benefits.

Withdraw the amount you need. Some ATMs have daily limits, usually between $300 and $500, depending on your card issuer and the ATM network. If the ATM declines your withdrawal, it may have hit that daily limit, or there may not be enough cash in your TANF account.

Keep your receipt. It shows the withdrawal amount and the ATM location, which is useful if you need to dispute a transaction later or track your spending.

ATM fees and how to avoid them

Using an out-of-network ATM—one that is not run by your card issuer—usually costs $1.50 to $3.00 per withdrawal. Some states negotiate with ATM networks to reduce or eliminate these fees for TANF cardholders, but this varies. Check your card issuer's website or call the number on the back of your card to find in-network ATMs near you.

The cheapest way to get cash is to ask for cash back when you buy something at a grocery store or other retailer. This costs nothing and draws from your TANF balance. You can withdraw up to the amount of your purchase, so if you buy a $10 item, you can ask for up to $10 cash back.

What happens if you try to withdraw food benefits

If your card has only SNAP food benefits, ATMs will reject any withdrawal attempt. The card straightforward will not process a cash transaction because federal law prohibits it. You will not be charged a fee for the failed attempt, but the ATM may keep your card briefly before returning it.

Some cardholders mistakenly believe they can withdraw food benefits by using their card at a casino, liquor store, or other non-food retailer. This does not work. The card is locked to food retailers only, and swiping it anywhere else will decline the transaction.

Checking your TANF balance and transaction history

Your EBT card statement shows your TANF cash balance separately from your food benefits balance. You can check this balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, using your state's online EBT portal, or visiting an ATM and selecting "Balance Inquiry" without withdrawing.

Keep track of your TANF spending because the money is yours to use, but it is not unlimited. Once you spend it, it is gone until your next deposit. Some states deposit TANF monthly; others use different schedules. Your state's EBT website shows your deposit dates.

State differences in TANF and EBT cards

Not all states combine TANF and SNAP on one card. Some states issue separate cards for each program. If you receive TANF in your state, ask your caseworker whether it is on the same card as your food benefits or on a different card. This determines whether you can withdraw cash using the card you use for groceries.

A few states do not offer TANF at all, or they offer it under a different name. If you are unsure what cash information programs your state runs, contact your local TANF office or call 211 to speak with someone who can explain what is available to you.

What to do if your withdrawal is declined

If an ATM declines your withdrawal, the most common reasons are: you have hit the daily withdrawal limit, your TANF balance is too low, your card is expired or blocked, or the ATM is not accepting your card's network. Try a different ATM first—sometimes a single machine is out of service or out of cash.

If multiple ATMs decline you, call the customer service number on the back of your card. They can tell you your current TANF balance, check for card blocks, and confirm your daily limit. If your card is expired, you will need to request a replacement from your state's EBT office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw food benefits as cash if I have an emergency?

No. SNAP food benefits cannot be converted to cash under any circumstance, even in an emergency. Federal law restricts them to food purchases only. If you need emergency cash, you would need to look into other information programs in your state, such as emergency TANF or local emergency aid.

What is the daily limit for withdrawing TANF cash?

Daily limits vary by state and card issuer, typically ranging from $300 to $500. Some ATMs have lower limits. Call the number on your card to learn your specific limit, or try withdrawing a smaller amount if an ATM declines you.

Do I get charged a fee every time I withdraw TANF cash?

Only if you use an out-of-network ATM, which usually costs $1.50 to $3.00. In-network ATMs are free. Getting cash back at a store checkout is also free and often the cheapest option.

Can someone else withdraw money from my EBT card?

Only if you give them your PIN. Your card is tied to your identity, so do not share your PIN with anyone. If someone uses your card without permission, call your card issuer when ready to report fraud and request a replacement card.

What if my state does not have TANF on my EBT card?

Then your card carries only SNAP food benefits, and you cannot withdraw cash from it. Contact your local TANF office or call 211 to learn what cash information programs your state offers and how to access them.