One other thing to keep in mind - sometimes these calls are automated reminders about upcoming deadlines or verification needs. The system is supposed to play a recording when you answer, but if it malfunctions, you just get silence and then a hang-up. Since you mentioned your recertification is due next month, I'd focus on completing that ASAP. Make sure you have: 1. Income verification for everyone in your household (pay stubs, award letters, etc.) 2. Rent/mortgage documentation 3. Utility bills if you're claiming the standard utility allowance 4. Any childcare expenses if applicable 5. Medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members Submit everything through BenefitsCal if possible - it creates a digital record of your submission date and time, which is very helpful if there are any disputes later about whether you met deadlines.

I just went through this same nightmare last month! The phantom calls are SO stressful. What finally worked for me was going to my local DPSS office in person with my recertification paperwork. I know it's a pain, but I was able to speak to someone immediately and confirm that my case was on track. They also updated my phone number in their system (even though it was already correct) and the hang-up calls stopped after that. Sometimes their system gets stuck in a loop with certain phone numbers. The worker told me it happens more often than you'd think. If you can spare a morning, I'd really recommend the in-person visit - it gave me so much peace of mind and took less time than all those failed phone attempts combined!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county after waiting for almost 2 hours on hold! Turns out there was some kind of "security protocol" that flagged my account because I used my card at a new grocery store across town (they thought it was suspicious activity or something). They're sending me a new card that should arrive in 7-10 business days, but the worker also gave me a temporary emergency voucher I can use at certain stores until my new card comes. All my benefits are still there, just needed the new card. Thanks everyone for your help! And definitely document everything when this happens because apparently it's becoming more common with their new "enhanced security measures" 🙄

I'm new here but dealing with something similar! My card got declined yesterday at Target and I'm panicking because I have no idea what's going on. Reading through everyone's responses is really helpful - I had no idea this was happening to so many people! @Avery Saint glad you got yours sorted out! Did the emergency voucher work at most grocery stores or just specific ones? I might need to ask for one of those too since 7-10 days feels like forever when you have a family to feed. This whole "enhanced security" thing seems like it's causing more problems than it's solving. Why don't they send notifications before canceling cards?? A simple text or email would prevent so much stress and confusion.

Update: I tried using the fruit & veggie benefit today at Walmart! It worked perfectly - bought some apples, frozen broccoli, and canned tomatoes. The cashier didn't need to do anything special, and when I checked my EDGE app after, it showed the purchases came from my $60 incentive balance, not my regular CalFresh amount. Thanks everyone for the helpful info!

This is so helpful! I just checked my EDGE app after reading this and I have $60 too! I had no idea what it was for. Quick question - does anyone know if baby food fruits and vegetables count? I have a 10-month-old and spend a lot on jarred baby food. Would be amazing if those qualified since they're basically just pureed fruits and veggies. Also wondering about things like applesauce or fruit cups - are those considered processed and wouldn't qualify?

yall should definitely try growing food if u can!! i started with just some tomato plants and basil on my tiny apartment balcony and it was actually sooo much cheaper than buying them at the store. now i grow like 6 different veggies and save at least $50 a month on groceries during the summer

I want to mention something important that hasn't been covered yet - timing your purchases. Most stores only stock vegetable seedlings and a good selection of seeds in spring (March-May). If you wait until summer, the selection is much more limited. Garden centers at places like Home Depot might have them longer, but grocery stores typically only stock them seasonally. If you're planning to use your CalFresh benefits for gardening, I'd recommend planning ahead and purchasing your seeds/plants during spring when the selection is best. You can also look into indoor gardening options (like herbs on a windowsill) that can be started any time of year. For the Sacramento area specifically, this is the perfect time to start seedlings for summer vegetables!

this happened to me last yr too! the website is trash but the EBT system usually works fine. one time my case disappeared for like 3 weeks but i still got my food stamps on time lol

This is such a relief to read! I'm a single parent and was having a panic attack thinking something went wrong with my case. My benefits are supposed to load on the 15th and my case disappeared from BenefitsCal 3 days ago. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better - especially seeing that Sunny's benefits loaded even with the case not showing online. I'll stop obsessively checking the portal and just wait for my EBT card to reload. Thank you all for sharing your experiences, this community is so helpful when the system is being confusing!