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 :)
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One other critical tip: While waiting for your replacement benefits, make sure to freeze your EBT card through the EBT app or by calling the number on the back. Then request a new physical card with a different card number. Many people get their benefits replaced only to have them stolen again immediately because the thieves still have access to their card information.
I did freeze the card right away, but I wasn't sure about getting a replacement card with a new number. I'll definitely do that - thank you! Do you know if the replacement benefits go onto the new card automatically?
Yes, any replacement benefits will automatically be loaded to your new card once it's activated. When you get the new card, make sure to create a unique PIN that you don't use anywhere else. Also, it's now recommended to change your EBT PIN monthly as an extra security measure. Glad you froze the card already - that was a smart first step.
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To follow up on the medical expense deduction we discussed - when you go to your recertification interview, make sure to specifically tell your eligibility worker that you want to claim the medical expense deduction. The standard medical deduction in California for 2025 is $120 if you can verify at least $35 in monthly medical expenses. If your actual expenses exceed $170 monthly, you should itemize everything instead of taking the standard deduction. And don't forget about the Telephone Access Program (California LifeLine) for discounted phone service and the utility allowance for CalFresh if you pay heating/cooling costs separately from rent.
Thank you so much! We definitely spend over $170 monthly on medical expenses between us. I'm going to start gathering all our receipts and making a list of our regular expenses. This might really help increase our benefits.
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has anyone been told they need to update their kids' immigration status or something? the person i talked to mentioned something about needing citizenship verification now but my kids were born here?? so confused
No, that's incorrect information. P-EBT eligibility has nothing to do with immigration or citizenship status. It's based solely on the child's enrollment in a school that participates in free/reduced lunch programs and household income eligibility. Whoever told you that was mistaken. I'd suggest calling again and speaking with a different representative.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to resolve this issue? I'm curious what eventually worked since several families in my community are facing the same problem with the P-EBT system not recognizing children who received previous benefits.
Yes! It took about 3 weeks, but we finally got it resolved. The issue was exactly what you suggested - her name was spelled slightly differently in the school system vs. CalFresh records. I had to submit a Case Review Request through our county worker, and I provided copies of her previous P-EBT cards as proof she had received benefits before. Her new card arrived yesterday with all the backpay included. So relieved! Thanks again for your help.
Chris King
does anyone know if we need to apply for pebt or is it automatic if kids get free lunch?
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Rachel Clark
•For the 2024-2025 school year, P-EBT is automatic for eligible children. If your children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, or attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals, you should be automatically eligible. No application is needed. However, make sure your school has your current mailing address, as new P-EBT cards are mailed to the address on file with the school.
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Zachary Hughes
The whole P-EBT system is RIDICULOUS!! Every year they promise payments and then delay for months! Last year they said April and we didn't get it until JULY!! By then school was already out for summer so what was even the point?? And try calling that helpline - IMPOSSIBLE to get through. The whole thing is just set up to fail and make parents jump through hoops. And now they're sending different amounts to different kids?? Make it make sense!!!
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Carter Holmes
•I understand your frustration with the delays. The different amounts are actually based on the school's reported data about each student's attendance and school schedule. For example, if one child had multiple excused absences or a different number of instructional days than siblings, their benefit amount would be calculated differently. The system isn't perfect, but the varying amounts do follow a specific formula based on each child's individual data.
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Zachary Hughes
•That might make sense if it was clearly explained ANYWHERE in their communications! But they just deposit random amounts with zero explanation. And why does it take them 6 months to process attendance data that schools submit weekly? Sorry but I'm not buying the excuses anymore.
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