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
I STILL haven't gotten an answer about whether my kids qualify since their school has universal free lunch. Does anyone know if that counts? Do I have to be on actual CalFresh?
yea if ur kids get free lunch at school they qualify! my neice gets it and her mom isnt on calfresh or nothing. they send the cards automatic if ur in the system for free lunch.
Just wanted to add that you can also check your card balance online at www.ebtcalifornia.com or by downloading the ebtEDGE mobile app. This is super convenient so you don't have to call the number on the back of the card every time. I set up accounts for all my kids' cards last year and it made tracking their spending so much easier. The app also shows you exactly where the cards were used, which is helpful for budgeting. Also, don't forget that these cards can be used at farmers markets that accept EBT - many of them even have matching programs that double your benefits for fresh produce!
This is really helpful info! I had no idea about the farmers market matching programs - that sounds like a great way to stretch the benefits further. Do you know if all farmers markets in California do this or just certain ones? And is there a way to find out which ones participate before I drive there with the kids?
Join the conversation
Update us on what happens! The EBT 4.0 rollout has been a mess in many counties. One important thing to know: if they do have to issue emergency benefits because of their error, make sure they give you the full month's amount. Some workers try to prorate it based on the days left in the month, but if it's their system error, you're entitled to the full month's benefits retroactive to your normal issuance date.
That's really good to know, thank you! I'll definitely ask for the full month's benefits since this wasn't my error. Will update tomorrow after I call.
UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! I called this morning using the Claimyr service someone recommended, and it actually worked - got through to a real person in about 20 minutes. The worker said there was a 'card synchronization error' that affected several people who got new 4.0 cards. She had to get supervisor approval, but they were able to transfer my full benefits while I was on the phone. Just checked my balance and it's all there! For anyone else having this issue, definitely call and specifically mention it's a '4.0 card synchronization error' - apparently that helps them know exactly what to do.
thx for updating!! good to kno what words to use when calling. gonna tell my cousin who just got her new card too
So happy you got your benefits! I'm dealing with the same issue right now - got my new 4.0 card 4 days ago and still waiting. Definitely going to try that Claimyr service and use the exact phrase "card synchronization error" when I call. Thanks for sharing the solution!
Join the conversation
quick tip: if you download the connectebt app you can check all your card balances there instead of having to call. that's how i noticed the benefits got added
Thanks for the tip! Just downloaded it and added our cards. Nothing there yet but at least now I can check easily.
Wait I'm confused... is P-EBT the same as CalFresh? My family gets CalFresh but I haven't heard anything about P-EBT. My kids are in middle school in San Leandro.
P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer) is different from regular CalFresh. P-EBT provides food benefits to children who would receive free or reduced-price meals at school under the National School Lunch Program. Your children automatically qualify for P-EBT if they receive free or reduced-price school meals OR if your family receives CalFresh. If your children attend school in San Leandro and you receive CalFresh, they should qualify for P-EBT. You might not have received notification yet because the benefits are being distributed in phases by district. San Leandro distribution should be happening between mid-April and early May according to the schedule. If your children previously received P-EBT, check those cards in the coming weeks. If they've never received P-EBT before, watch for new cards in the mail. You can also call the P-EBT helpline at 877-328-9677 to check eligibility status.
Oh! Thank you for explaining. I didn't realize they were different programs. My kids do get free lunch at school so I guess we should be getting P-EBT too. I'll keep an eye out for cards in the mail since we've never received them before.
Join the conversation
I wonder if your cousin is confusing CalFresh with other benefits. Some cash assistance programs DO allow direct deposit to bank accounts or prepaid cards, but CalFresh (food stamps) absolutely cannot be transferred to anything except the official EBT card. It's part of the federal SNAP regulations. I've been on CalFresh for 5 years and it's always been this way. For your card issues - have you tried the plastic protective sleeves? They sell them on Amazon specifically for EBT cards and they've saved mine from my toddler's sticky fingers multiple times!
That makes sense - she might be thinking of CalWORKs which I think does have direct deposit options. I'm going to look up those protective sleeves right now! Thank you!
I'm so glad you asked this question here before trying it! Everyone is absolutely right - transferring CalFresh benefits to prepaid cards or apps like Venmo is completely illegal and could result in permanent disqualification from the program. The USDA requires all SNAP/CalFresh benefits to stay on the official EBT system. For your card replacement issues, here's what has worked for me: when you call 1-877-328-9677, tell them it's an emergency food situation and ask for expedited shipping. They usually get it to you within 2-3 business days instead of the usual week. Also, you can actually have TWO active EBT cards at once - request a backup card and keep it somewhere safe! Most people don't know this option exists. The protective sleeves everyone mentioned are a game changer. I got a 10-pack on Amazon for like $8 and haven't had a damaged card since. Much cheaper than dealing with replacement delays!
Thank you so much for all this detailed info! I had no idea you could have two active cards - that's exactly what I need. I'm definitely ordering those protective sleeves today and will call about getting a backup card. This community is so helpful, I feel much more confident about handling this the right way now!
Charlee Coleman
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.
0 coins
Javier Gomez
•This is really good advice! I was dreading having to go in person but it sounds like it might actually be more efficient. Do you know if they can help with the password reset issue too, or would I still need to call for that part? I'm worried about missing my recertification deadline while trying to get all this sorted out.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•Yes, they can definitely help with the password reset when you go in person! I had the exact same issue - locked out account with old phone number - and the caseworker was able to update my contact info and reset my login credentials right there at the desk. They have access to override the system requirements that you can't do online or over the phone. Just make sure to bring a photo ID and maybe a utility bill or something with your current address. They got me back into my account within like 15 minutes, and I was able to complete my recertification paperwork the same day. Way better than the phone runaround!
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
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!
0 coins