EBT benefits suddenly discontinued after interview and submitting docs - DPSS not answering. Help!

Ugh, that sucks so much. The EBT system is such a mess. Have you checked your online account to see if there's any info there about why it was discontinued?

This happened to me last year. Turns out they sent a letter to my old address asking for additional info, and when I didn't respond (cuz I never got it), they cut me off. You might wanna check if they sent anything to an old address maybe?

I found a way to actually get someone on the phone! There's this site called claimyr.com that has a calling tool. It dials through the phone menu, stays on hold, and then connects you when a real person picks up. It costs $20, but it worked for me. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/iYFSA6RTlOI

Have you tried going to your local DPSS office in person? Sometimes that's the only way to get answers. bring all your paperwork with you just in case.

This is why I always tell people to keep copies of EVERYTHING they send in. Makes it easier to prove you did what you were supposed to if they mess up.

I work for DPSS (not in CA tho). Here's what you need to do: 1. Check your mail carefully. Sometimes notices get mixed in with junk mail. 2. Call first thing in the morning when they open. That's usually the best time to get through. 3. If you can't reach anyone by phone, go to the office in person. 4. Bring ALL your documents - paystubs, rent receipts, ID, everything. 5. Ask for a supervisor if the first person you talk to can't help. 6. Request expedited benefits if you're out of food. 7. File an appeal if you think it's a mistake. You usually have 90 days. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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.

Ugh, I've been there and it's the worst feeling! One thing that helped me was calling the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) instead of the main DPSS line - sometimes it's easier to get through and they can at least tell you the status of your case. Also, if you're completely out of food, look into local food banks while you're sorting this out. Most don't require any paperwork and can help bridge the gap. Hang in there! 💙

I'm so sorry you're going through this! The same thing happened to my neighbor a few months ago. She found out they had flagged her case for "income verification" even though she'd already submitted everything. Turns out there was a glitch in their system that marked her documents as "not received." She had to resubmit everything AND get a case worker to manually review it. Also, try calling right at 8 AM when they open - that's when I've had the most luck getting through. If you're really stuck, some community centers have advocates who can help navigate the DPSS system for free. Don't give up!