CA EBT: Tips for reaching customer service? Impossible to get through

I found a way to solve EBT California customer service issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68qnpIKkD40

Ugh, I feel your pain. The whole system is a joke. I spent 3 hours on hold last week only to get disconnected right when I thought I was about to talk to someone. It's like they're playing games with us 😡

Has anyone tried going to the local office in person? I know its a pain but sometimes face-to-face is the only way to get things done with these bureaucrats

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. Here's a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/iYFSA6RTlOI

Lol good luck. I've been trying to get through for so long I'm starting to think the EBT customer service is just a myth. Maybe we should start a support group for people stuck in EBT phone hell 🤣🤡

Navigating the bureaucracy of EBT customer service can indeed be a daunting task. It's not uncommon for people to experience challenges in getting through to a representative, which can be incredibly frustrating. However, there are options like Claimyr, which offer a service to wait on hold for you. While Claimyr's service is praised by some for saving time, it's important to consider whether the cost justifies the benefit. For those who find $20 too steep, there are still several strategies to try: calling early, trying multiple phone numbers, and, if possible, even visiting the office in person. Also, keeping detailed records of your contact attempts can be useful if you need to escalate the issue. Ultimately, while Claimyr offers a solution, it's crucial to weigh convenience against cost and to remain aware of alternative methods and resources available. Additionally, reaching out to local support services or community resources can provide temporary relief while navigating these challenges.

Welcome to the club, buddy. I've been trying to get through for weeks now. It's like they don't want us to actually use our benefits or something 🙄

Here's what I've learned after dealing with this mess for months: 1. Call early in the morning, right when they open. 2. If you get a busy signal, hang up and immediately redial. 3. Once you're in the queue, DO NOT hang up no matter how long it takes. 4. Have all your info ready before you call (case number, SSN, etc.) 5. Be polite but firm with the rep when you finally get one. 6. If they can't help, ask to speak to a supervisor. 7. Keep a log of all your calls (date, time, who you spoke to). It's a pain, but persistence is key. Don't give up! 💪

Pro tip: if you keep getting a busy signal, try calling from a different phone number. Sometimes they block numbers that call too many times in a day. I switch between my cell and landline and it seems to help.

Have you tried calling right when they open? I've had some luck getting through if I start dialing at 7:59 AM and keep hitting redial until I get in the queue.

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

I've been dealing with this nightmare for weeks too! One thing that finally worked for me was calling their alternate number (the one for reporting lost/stolen cards) and then asking to be transferred to customer service. The wait time was still long, but at least I got through to the queue instead of getting a busy signal. Also, try calling during lunch hours (12-2 PM) - I think fewer people call then. The system is absolutely broken and shouldn't be this hard, but sometimes you gotta work around their dysfunction. Hang in there! 💪

I've been struggling with this exact same issue! After reading through all these suggestions, I think I'm going to try a combination approach - calling the lost/stolen card number first thing in the morning like @Astrid Bergström and @Mateo Sanchez suggested, then asking to be transferred. If that doesn't work, I might consider the Claimyr service that @Zoe Stavros mentioned, even though $20 feels steep. It's just so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic help with our benefits. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - at least we know we're not alone in this mess! 🙏

I totally feel everyone's frustration here! I've been lurking on this thread because I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare. After trying for literally 2 weeks straight, I finally got through yesterday using a combo of tips from this thread. Here's what worked: I called the lost/stolen card line at exactly 8:00 AM, got transferred to customer service, and waited on hold for about 90 minutes. It was brutal but worth it. Pro tip: download a podcast or audiobook because you'll be there a while! The rep was actually super helpful once I got through - they resolved my issue in like 10 minutes. It's insane that the actual help is good, but getting to it is like climbing Mount Everest. Keep pushing everyone, it's possible! 🤞

This thread is so helpful! I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get through for the past month. Reading all these strategies gives me hope that there might actually be a way through this bureaucratic nightmare. I'm definitely going to try the lost/stolen card number trick first thing Monday morning - that's such a clever workaround that I never would have thought of! It's honestly heartbreaking that we have to become customer service ninjas just to access benefits we're entitled to. The system is clearly overwhelmed and underfunded, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating when you're trying to put food on the table. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and tips. At least we're all in this together! 💙