@Geoff Richards, great questions! From my experience, the timeline can vary quite a bit - I've seen cases resolved in 4-6 weeks when people are proactive, but it can take longer if there are complications or appeals involved. As for advocacy resources, many counties have Legal Aid organizations that offer free help with CalFresh issues, including overpayments. In some areas, there are also community organizations that specialize in benefits advocacy. I'd recommend calling 211 to find local resources - they can usually connect you with someone who knows the system. @Rusty Shackleford, one practical tip I forgot to mention earlier: when you do call your local office, try to get the name and direct number of the specific caseworker handling your case. Having one point of contact can make the whole process much smoother and less stressful. It's really heartwarming to see how this community comes together to help each other navigate these complex situations. We're all just trying to make ends meet and understanding these programs shouldn't be so complicated! Keep us posted on how things go - your experience could help the next person facing a similar situation. 💙

Thank you all for this incredibly thorough discussion! As someone who's been lurking in this community for a while, I finally felt compelled to chime in because this situation hits close to home. @Darren Brooks, your advice about getting a direct contact is spot on - I learned that the hard way when I had to deal with a benefits issue last year. Having to explain your situation to a different person every time you call is exhausting and sometimes details get lost. @Rusty Shackleford, I just wanted to add one more perspective: even though this feels scary right now, the fact that you're addressing it shows you're doing the right thing. I've seen people ignore these situations for years and it only gets worse. The CalFresh program is designed to help people, not trap them, so most caseworkers I've encountered genuinely want to find a workable solution. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you do end up with a repayment plan, make sure you understand whether it affects your ability to reapply for CalFresh in the future if your circumstances change. Some people assume they can't get benefits again while paying back an overpayment, but that's not always the case. This community continues to amaze me with how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is. Wishing you the best outcome, Rusty! 🙏

Thanks Freya! That SNAP Retailer Locator app sounds really useful - I had no idea that existed. I'll definitely download it to see what options are around me. The gas station tip is smart too, especially since I'm always stopping for gas anyway between my double shifts. I really appreciate everyone being so helpful and welcoming - this community has been amazing for getting real-world advice that actually works for people in our situations!

Thanks Paolo! The grocery app idea is brilliant - I never thought about building my cart throughout the week. That would definitely save me from those exhausting post-shift grocery runs where I just grab whatever's closest. And good point about the income reporting - I should probably double-check what I need to report since my hours can vary so much between weeks. The Dollar Tree tip is great too, there's one right on my way home from work. Really appreciate you mentioning the expedited processing thing - I had no idea that was even an option. This whole thread has been so much more helpful than trying to decipher the paperwork they sent me! 😊

That's such a modern and convenient option! I had no idea that delivery apps were starting to accept EBT - that would be perfect for helping my sister avoid having to go out with a newborn when she needs groceries. I'll definitely look into what's available in her area in Nevada. It would be so much easier to just have healthy foods delivered right to her door, especially during those first few weeks when she's recovering and adjusting to life with the baby. Thanks for mentioning this - technology is really making benefits more accessible! 📱🛒

Thank you so much for the official confirmation! It's really reassuring to hear from an actual caseworker that everything will work smoothly. I'll definitely double-check my contact info in BenefitsCal before I leave - that's a great tip I hadn't thought of. And you're absolutely right about budgeting my monthly benefits for the trip. I was so focused on whether the card would work that I forgot to factor in buying groceries for two different places this month. I'll make sure to plan that out properly. Thanks for taking the time to share your professional insight - it means a lot to get advice from someone who works directly with the system! 😊

Joshua, thank you so much for the late night automated line tip! That's such a smart way to at least check case status without dealing with the hold times. I never thought about calling after hours just for the automated options. And the certified mail backup plan is brilliant - having that proof of delivery would give me so much peace of mind about meeting the SAR7 deadline. You're absolutely right about not letting them make me feel like I'm doing something wrong. I've been beating myself up thinking I should have reported these changes immediately, but you're right that including everything on the SAR7 with proper documentation is totally legitimate. It's their system that's broken, not my approach to following the rules! The San Diego perspective is really helpful too - sounds like this is a statewide problem, not just LA County being especially terrible. Makes me feel less alone in this struggle. Going to try the late night status check tonight and get my certified mail backup ready tomorrow morning. Thank you for the encouragement and practical advice! 💪

Aaron, this is incredibly valuable advice! I had no idea about the 2-1-1 service having CalFresh navigators - that sounds like exactly what I need right now. The three-way call option could be a game changer since I'd have someone who actually knows the system helping me navigate the conversation when I do get through. Definitely downloading that app tonight! And thank you for the drop box reminder - I keep forgetting that's an option since I'm so focused on trying to talk to someone. Having that 24/7 option takes so much pressure off the timing issue. I'm going to drive by my local DPSS office tomorrow to see exactly where their drop box is located and what their receipt process looks like. You're absolutely right that I shouldn't give up. It's just so demoralizing when you're trying to do everything by the book and the system makes it nearly impossible. But reading all these responses has given me so many new strategies to try. Really appreciate you taking the time to share specific resources like 2-1-1 - those concrete suggestions are what actually help people get through this mess! 🙏

Welcome to the "forgot my EBT Edge security questions" club! 😅 It's honestly crazy how many of us have been through this exact same frustrating experience. You're definitely on the right track with that 1-877-328-9677 number - it seems like literally everyone here has had success with it. The 8am timing tip is gold too. I tried calling during lunch time once and was on hold forever, but early morning seems to be the sweet spot. Make sure you have absolutely everything ready before you dial because they really do verify every single detail. And yes, definitely get a password manager after this! I can't believe how many of us learned this lesson the hard way. The mobile app is also way better than the website once you get back in. Good luck tomorrow morning - you've got this! And congrats on getting approved, that's the hardest part behind you! 🎉

You're definitely not alone in this! It's wild how many of us have made this exact same mistake with the EBT Edge security questions. I just went through this whole ordeal myself a few weeks ago and that 1-877-328-9677 number with option 4 really is the magic solution everyone's talking about. The 8am timing is clutch - I tried calling later in the day once and was on hold for over an hour before I gave up. But calling right when they open? Got through in like 15 minutes max. Just make sure you have literally everything with you - they ask for so much verification info but it makes sense for security. Password manager is definitely the way to go after this experience! I use one now for all my benefit-related accounts and it's been a lifesaver. And yes, please update us on how it goes - always nice to hear success stories to help the next person dealing with this same headache! Good luck tomorrow! You've got all the right info and timing, so I'm confident you'll get it sorted out quickly. Welcome to the club and congrats on getting approved! 🎉