Sometimes if you hit 0 a bunch of times during the automated message it will force you to a representative. Thats what I do with most of these stupid automated systems lol

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My son's card should have loaded yesterday too and I keep getting that silent line after the welcome message. So frustrating when you're just trying to make sure your kid can eat lunch at school. I'm going to try that texting option someone mentioned - fingers crossed it works for us too. Thanks for posting about this, at least now I know it's not just me going crazy!

Hey, I work with a nonprofit that helps people navigate these exact situations. A few additional things that might help: 1. Sacramento County has a Rapid Rehousing program through their Continuum of Care - call (916) 874-9277. They can sometimes provide immediate temporary assistance while other applications are processing. 2. If you're willing to consider shared housing temporarily, Sacramento Self-Help Housing (mentioned earlier) also maintains a list of rooms for rent in safe situations - this could buy you time while waiting for rental assistance to come through. 3. Document EVERYTHING - take photos of your 3-day notice, keep records of every call you make (date, time, who you spoke with, reference numbers). This creates a paper trail that can help expedite future assistance. 4. Ask specifically about "diversion funds" when you call housing programs - these are small amounts (usually $500-2000) designed to prevent homelessness and often have faster approval processes than larger assistance programs. The key is applying to multiple programs simultaneously rather than waiting for one to be denied before trying the next. You've got this - the fact that you're already proactively seeking help puts you ahead of many people in similar situations.

One more resource that might help immediately - Sacramento has a Homeless Services Coordination office at (916) 875-HELP that can connect you to emergency shelter if worst comes to worst, but they also maintain a database of all available assistance programs in real-time. When I called them last year during my own housing crisis, they were able to tell me which programs actually had funds available that week versus which ones had waiting lists. Also, since you mentioned being scared - that's completely normal. I was terrified when I got my eviction notice. But what helped me was making a daily action plan: call 3 programs each morning, follow up on 2 applications each afternoon. It kept me focused and moving forward instead of just panicking. You've already gotten so much good advice here - now it's just about working through the list systematically. One last thing: if any program tells you they're out of funds, ask them when their next funding cycle starts. Sometimes it's just a matter of days or weeks, and they can put you on a priority list for when new money comes in.

i had a weird thing happen once where i changed my pin and then it wouldnt work at the store even tho i KNOW i put it in right!!! had to call again and change it again. just a heads up that might happen

Just wanted to add that if you're ever in a situation where you need to change your PIN urgently like this, you can also temporarily freeze your EBT card through the automated system while you're deciding on a new PIN. This gives you extra protection if you think someone has your number but you need time to think of a secure new PIN. You can call the same 1-877-328-9677 number and choose the option to temporarily block your card, then call back later to unblock it and change your PIN. I learned this trick from a social worker and it's been really helpful when I've felt unsure about my card security.

UPDATE: I called my county office (took forever but finally got through) and they explained that the $20 increase is just the federal adjustment but I might qualify for more based on my specific circumstances. The worker reviewed my case and found that they hadn't been applying the correct utility allowance for my area. They're recalculating my benefits and said I should get about $45 more per month plus some retroactive benefits for the past 3 months! Still not enough with these crazy food prices, but better than just the $20. If anyone else is frustrated, definitely call and ask for a full review of your deductions!

I'm dealing with the same frustrating situation! Got the notice about the $20 increase and honestly laughed because it's such a slap in the face. I'm a single mom working part-time while going to school, and my teenage son eats me out of house and home. What really gets me is that they base these adjustments on some theoretical "Thrifty Food Plan" that clearly wasn't designed by anyone who actually shops for groceries in 2025. I've started meal prepping like crazy and buying everything in bulk when it's on sale, but even with coupons and shopping at multiple stores for the best deals, we're still running short by the third week of every month. The farmers market tip someone mentioned sounds promising though - going to check if any near me do the Market Match program. It's wild that we have to become expert strategists just to feed our families on what's supposed to be adequate assistance.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the phone lines, you can also try visiting your local county office in person. I know it's a hassle, but sometimes it's faster than waiting on hold. They can update your contact info on the spot and print out your current benefit amounts. Also, bring ALL your documentation - pay stubs, rent receipts, childcare costs, etc. With your income and those deductions for rent and childcare, you should still qualify for decent benefits. The caseworkers can run the calculations right there so you'll know exactly what to expect before your recertification appointment.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! For what it's worth, I just completed my recertification last week and can confirm the 2025 amounts others mentioned are accurate. With your income of $2700 and those rent/childcare expenses, you should still qualify for both programs. The childcare deduction alone will help a lot with your net income calculation. One thing I learned - if you can't get your BenefitsCal account fixed before your recertification deadline, you can still complete the process by phone or in person. Don't let the account lockout stress you out too much. The county workers can access everything on their end and walk you through the renewal even if you can't log in yourself. Also, definitely mention that your rent went up when you recertify - that higher shelter cost deduction might actually increase your CalFresh benefits compared to last year, even with the same income. Good luck!