Can't reach California CalFresh? Claimyr connects you to a live DSS agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the DSS
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the DSS drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
This thread has been such an incredible resource! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits a couple weeks ago, I had absolutely no idea that my EBT card could open doors to discounted entertainment like this. The $5 admission at Fresno Chaffee Zoo sounds like such a blessing - my two kids (ages 5 and 8) have been asking to go somewhere fun, but with our current financial situation, I kept having to put off those kinds of outings. Reading through everyone's experiences has really boosted my confidence about actually using these programs. I was honestly a bit nervous about the whole process, but hearing how normal and straightforward it is at most places makes me feel so much better. The tip about bringing both your EBT card AND photo ID is super helpful - I definitely would have forgotten about the ID part! I'm also really excited to learn about the library passes that several people mentioned. We go to our local library pretty regularly, but I never thought to ask about museum passes or other resources beyond books. That's going on my to-do list for this week for sure! Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and tips so openly. This community is exactly what I needed to feel comfortable taking advantage of these programs that exist specifically to help families like ours. Can't wait to start planning some affordable adventures with my kids!
Welcome to the community, Aileen! Your kids are going to absolutely love the zoo - ages 5 and 8 is such a perfect time for them to really appreciate all the different animals. I completely understand that nervous feeling about using these programs at first, but honestly after my first experience at Fresno Chaffee Zoo with the EBT discount, it became so much easier. The staff there are really familiar with the Museums for All program and make the whole process super smooth. One thing I'd add to all the great advice already shared - if you're planning your zoo visit, try to go earlier in the day if possible, especially during summer months. Not only is it cooler for the kids, but the animals tend to be more active in the morning hours. Plus parking fills up later in the day, so you'll have an easier time finding a spot! The library passes really are an amazing hidden resource. I discovered our library has passes to places I didn't even know existed in the area. It's become one of my favorite "secrets" for finding new family activities without spending a fortune. You're going to find so many opportunities once you start exploring these programs!
Join the conversation
Welcome to the community, Zainab! I'm also relatively new here but have already learned so much from everyone's shared experiences. It really is both scary and reassuring to see how common these benefit calculation errors are - scary that they happen so frequently, but reassuring that there are people here who know how to navigate the system and get things fixed. Kyle's story is a perfect example of why this community is so valuable. When you're panicking about feeding your family and can't get through to anyone at the county office, having people who've been through similar situations share their knowledge and offer support makes such a huge difference. Connor, definitely try calling and asking them to review all the data they have on file - rent amounts, income figures, household size, etc. Sometimes it's just one small mistake that creates a big problem!
Thank you both for the warm welcome! I'm honestly amazed at how helpful and knowledgeable everyone is here. As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, stories like Kyle's are both educational and nerve-wracking - I had no idea that simple data entry errors could cause such dramatic changes in benefits. It's really reassuring to see that there are experienced community members like Gianni and Edison who can provide such detailed guidance on exactly what steps to take when these issues arise. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread as a reference in case I ever run into similar problems. Connor and Chris, I hope you both get your benefit issues resolved quickly too! This community seems like such a lifeline for navigating what can be a really confusing and stressful system.
This whole thread has been such an eye-opener for me as someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now. Kyle, I'm so glad you got your benefits restored - that rent calculation error is exactly the kind of mistake that could happen to any of us! Reading through everyone's experiences really highlights how fragile this system can be and how one small error can create such a crisis for families. What really strikes me is how knowledgeable this community is about navigating these issues. The advice about requesting state hearings within 10 days, checking household composition, and asking for supervisor reviews - this is the kind of practical information that can make the difference between going hungry and getting the help you need. I'm definitely going to be more vigilant about checking my benefit calculations and keeping copies of all my documentation. It's scary to think that something as simple as a typo in rent amount could cut my family's food budget, but it's reassuring to know there are people here who've dealt with similar situations and can guide others through the process. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and support - this community is truly a lifeline for those of us trying to navigate the CalFresh system!
I'm completely new to both CalFresh and this community, but this entire discussion has been incredibly enlightening! As someone who just applied for benefits and is waiting to hear back, Kyle's story is both terrifying and educational - I had no idea that something as simple as a data entry error could cause such a dramatic drop in benefits. It's honestly scary to think that families could suddenly lose access to food assistance due to a clerical mistake, but seeing how quickly it got resolved once the right person reviewed the case gives me hope. What really impresses me is how supportive and knowledgeable everyone here is. The detailed advice about state hearings, checking household information, and emergency benefits - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance that you don't get from official websites or pamphlets. AstroAce, you're absolutely right about this community being a lifeline. I'm already taking notes on all the tips shared here, especially about keeping careful records and knowing what questions to ask when calling the county office. Thank you to Kyle for sharing the update and to everyone who offered help and advice. Even as a newcomer, I can see how valuable this community support system is for navigating what can be a really complex and sometimes frustrating process!
Join the conversation
Hey Ryan! I'm pretty new to Fresno but just went through setting up RMP for my disabled aunt a few weeks ago. One place that's been working really well for her is the Yoshinoya on Shaw & Cedar - they accept EBT for RMP participants and have healthy rice bowls that feel more like real meals than typical fast food. The staff there seems to know the program well too. Also wanted to mention that I discovered the Fresno EOC (Economic Opportunities Commission) has a transportation program for seniors that can help get your mom to restaurants if she ever needs a ride. They work specifically with people on CalFresh benefits and might be worth looking into - you can reach them at (559) 263-1000. One tip that's really helped my aunt - I laminated a small card with "RESTAURANT MEALS PROGRAM PARTICIPANT" and the EBT customer service number that she keeps with her EBT card. It saves her from having to explain the program every time and gives cashiers something to reference if they're confused. This thread has been so helpful reading everyone's experiences! Sounds like your mom is going to have tons of great options between all these suggestions.
Thanks Carter! Yoshinoya is a great suggestion - my mom would definitely prefer those rice bowls over typical fast food, and it's nice to hear they have staff who understand RMP well. The Fresno EOC transportation program is something I hadn't even thought about but could be really helpful for days when I'm not available to drive her. That laminated card idea keeps coming up in different variations throughout this thread and it seems like such a simple but effective solution - I'm definitely making one for her with that exact wording. It's been amazing reading through everyone's experiences and seeing how many people have found creative solutions to help their family members navigate this system. Between all the restaurant suggestions, apps, resources, and practical tips everyone has shared, I feel like we have everything we need to get my mom set up successfully. This community has been absolutely incredible!
Hey Ryan! I'm also new to the Fresno area and just helped my disabled mom get set up with RMP last month. One thing that's been a lifesaver is the Flame Broiler on Herndon & Millbrook - they have healthy teriyaki rice bowls and the manager there (Mike) really knows the RMP system well. Also discovered that some Subway locations inside Walmart accept EBT for RMP but the standalone ones don't always - weird but worth checking! One resource that's been incredibly helpful is the Fresno County Department of Aging's RMP hotline at (559) 600-4357. They have a dedicated person who just handles RMP questions and can tell you in real-time which restaurants are currently participating. Way better than calling individual locations! Also wanted to mention that I created a simple checklist for my mom to keep in her purse: 1) Show RMP card first 2) Say "Restaurant Meals Program transaction" 3) Have phone ready with EBT customer service number. It's helped her feel so much more confident going places alone. This thread has been amazing - definitely trying some of these other suggestions with my mom too. Hope your mom gets some great meal options sorted out!
Join the conversation
Hey StarSurfer! I'm actually in a really similar situation right now - 26, lost my marketing job due to layoffs in February and had to move back with my parents. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! One thing I wanted to add based on my research - make sure you apply online through BenefitsCal.com rather than trying to do a paper application. The online system walks you through everything step by step and you can upload documents directly, which seems way easier than trying to fax or mail everything. Also, I've been keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my job applications, interviews, and any gig work income (doing some freelance social media work here and there). Having everything organized like this has been helpful not just for CalFresh but also for my own peace of mind during this stressful time. The tech and marketing industries have been absolutely brutal with layoffs lately - you're definitely not alone in this situation. From everything I've read here, it sounds like as long as you can clearly explain that you buy and prepare your own food separately from your parents, you should be able to qualify as your own household. Planning to submit my application this weekend after getting all my documentation together. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences in this thread - it's given me the confidence to actually go through with applying instead of just worrying about it! Good luck StarSurfer - we've got this! 💪
@Tami Morgan Yes, definitely use the online BenefitsCal system! I applied through there last year and it was so much smoother than I expected. The document upload feature is really convenient - you can just take photos of everything with your phone rather than dealing with scanners or fax machines. Your spreadsheet idea is really smart too! I wish I had been that organized during my job search. Having everything tracked in one place probably helps a lot with staying on top of all the moving pieces when you re'dealing with unemployment, applications, and trying to get benefits sorted out. The marketing/tech layoffs have been absolutely insane this year. It feels like every week there s'another round of cuts somewhere. But honestly, reading through everyone s'experiences in this thread has been so encouraging - it s'clear that lots of people have successfully navigated the CalFresh process even in complicated living situations like ours. Good luck with your application this weekend! It sounds like you re'going in really well-prepared. The fact that this whole thread exists and is helping so many people in similar situations just shows how common this experience is right now. We re'all just trying to get back on our feet during a really tough time in the job market!
Hey StarSurfer! I'm 25 and went through this exact same process about 6 months ago after getting laid off from my customer service job. Had to move back with my mom and felt pretty defeated, but applying for CalFresh was honestly one of the best decisions I made during that rough period. Reading through all these responses brings back so many memories of my own application process! The separate household thing is totally doable - the key is really being able to clearly articulate HOW your food situation is separate, not just that it is separate. What helped me prepare was making a simple list beforehand of specific details: I shop at Safeway every Thursday evening, spend about $65-75 per week, store my food on the bottom shelf of the fridge and in the cabinet next to the sink, and I typically cook dinner around 6:30pm while my mom eats earlier around 5pm. Having those concrete details ready made me feel way more confident during the interview. The caseworker did ask about occasional shared meals and I was honest - maybe once every couple weeks my mom might offer me leftovers if she made too much, but I emphasized that probably 90%+ of my meals come from groceries I purchase and prepare myself. Got approved for $268/month and it made such a difference while I was job hunting. Just started a new position last month and I'm already working on transitioning off the program. Don't feel bad about needing help - the job market has been absolutely brutal, especially in tech. These programs exist exactly for situations like this. You're being smart and proactive by applying. Hang in there - this really is just temporary! 💙
@Katherine Shultz This is such helpful and encouraging advice! I love how you broke down the specific details about your shopping routine and meal timing - that kind of concrete information seems like it would really help during the interview. Your experience with occasional shared meals is reassuring too. I was worried that even accepting leftovers once in a while would disqualify me, but it sounds like as long as the vast majority of your food comes from your own purchases, they re'reasonable about normal family interactions. Congratulations on landing your new job! It s'so inspiring to hear success stories from people who ve'been through this exact situation. The whole experience of moving back with parents after a layoff is definitely humbling, but reading through everyone s'experiences here has made me realize how common this is right now, especially with all the industry upheaval. Thanks for sharing such detailed advice and for the encouragement. I m'feeling much more confident about applying now after reading through all these responses. Stories like yours really help remind me that this is just a temporary setback and that there s'definitely light at the end of the tunnel! 🙏
Tony Brooks
I'm brand new to this community and just discovered this incredibly helpful thread! I'm currently on CalFresh and in almost the exact same situation - need to sell some personal items to cover expenses while waiting for a new job to start in a few weeks. This thread has honestly been a lifesaver. When I first started reading, I was really anxious about how selling my old gaming console, some books, and kitchen appliances might affect my benefits. But seeing so many detailed success stories from people who've navigated this exact situation has completely changed my stress level. The documentation strategies everyone has shared are amazing - I never would have thought to be so thorough with things like spreadsheets, marketplace screenshots, serial numbers, and cover letters. @Brandon Parker's professional explanation about asset conversion vs income generation really helped me understand the legal framework too. What I love most about this thread is how it shows the power of community knowledge sharing. Instead of everyone having to figure this out through trial and error, we now have proven strategies from people who've actually been through CalFresh reviews after selling personal items. I'm planning to start my sales next week and will definitely implement everything discussed here - photos before listing, detailed transaction logs, saving all conversations, and probably calling ahead to make a note in my case file. Thank you all for creating such an incredible resource by sharing your real experiences so generously!
0 coins
Sofia Morales
I'm new to this community but had to jump in after reading through this amazing thread! I'm actually in a very similar boat - currently receiving CalFresh benefits and need to sell some personal items (old laptop, some furniture, and my bike) to help cover rent while I wait for my new job to start in about 3 weeks. When I first found this thread, I was genuinely worried about how these sales might impact my benefits, but reading everyone's detailed experiences has been incredibly reassuring. The level of practical advice shared here is outstanding - from spreadsheet tracking to marketplace screenshots to proactive communication with caseworkers. @Brandon Parker - your professional insight about asset conversion vs income generation was particularly helpful for understanding the legal distinction. It's also reassuring to know that this situation is quite common and that eligibility workers are familiar with these cases. I'm planning to start selling items this week and will definitely implement all the documentation strategies discussed here. The consistency across everyone's advice really shows these are proven methods that work in practice. I'll be taking photos before listing, keeping detailed transaction records, saving all marketplace conversations, and probably calling ahead to make a note in my case file like several people suggested. Thank you all for turning what seemed like a potentially risky situation into something completely manageable with proper preparation. This community is incredible for sharing real-world experience and practical solutions from people who've actually navigated these challenges successfully!
0 coins