This whole system is a joke. I've been trying to update my info for MONTHS. At this point, I'm about ready to give up on CalFresh altogether 😡

Quick question - did your income go up or down? If it went down, make sure to emphasize that when you talk to them. They tend to prioritize those cases from what I've heard.

man the system is so broken. why do they make it so hard for people who actually need help? 😤

Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes their office can help push things through faster.

Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to update our income? Like, they already have access to our tax info, why cant they just use that?

Quick question - does anyone know if changing jobs affects the income update process? I just started a new job and I'm not sure if I need to wait for a certain number of paychecks before reporting.

Pro tip: Keep a detailed log of every call you make, including date, time, who you spoke to, and what was said. It can be super helpful if you need to escalate the issue later.

idk if this helps but my cousin works for social services. she says alot of times they can backdate benefits if u can prove there was a good reason for the delay. might be worth asking about!

Anyone else notice that their website is always 'under maintenance' when you need it most? 🤦‍♂️

I'm bout ready to camp outside their office til someone helps me tbh

Has anyone tried using their online portal? I heard they updated it recently, but haven't checked it out myself yet.

Pro tip: if you're gonna be on hold for hours, put your phone on speaker and binge watch something on Netflix. Makes the wait slightly less painful lol

Anyone else notice that the refunds seem to process faster than actual deposits? Like, they're quick to take money back but slow to give it out 🙄

Hey OP, just a heads up, there was a system update last week that caused some glitches in benefit calculations. Might be worth asking specifically about that when you get hold of someone.

When dealing with EBT applications, it’s important to understand that processing times can vary significantly depending on factors like the state you’re in and the current workload of the offices handling these applications. Generally, it can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, but in some cases longer due to backlogs or missing documentation. It’s crucial to ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid delays. Regularly checking the status online, if available, is a good practice. For those experiencing prolonged waits, services like Claimyr can offer a way to connect with a live agent, albeit at a cost. While it’s not ideal that a paid service is needed for something so essential, it’s an option for those who are particularly pressed for time. Regardless, documenting every interaction and keeping copies of all submissions is a wise approach. Additionally, seeking temporary assistance from local food banks or charities can provide interim support while awaiting EBT approval. Keeping persistent and informed can significantly mitigate the challenges of dealing with the system. `{profile 41}`

Guys, I'm telling you, the key is to call right when they open. Like, set your alarm for 5 minutes before and start dialing. I got through on my third try doing this.

I heard they just implemented a new system. Anyone know if that's supposed to speed things up?

Hey, I found a method that actually works to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Check out this video for more info: https://youtu.be/iYFSA6RTlOI

I've been in the same boat for months now. It's like trying to catch a unicorn or something. The whole system is a joke. I've missed out on benefits because I couldn't get through to report changes. It's affecting my ability to feed my family at this point. 😢

have u tried emailing them? sometimes its easier to get a response that way