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
This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months and have definitely had my share of frustrations with the EBT system. What I love most about this discussion is how it shows that there are actually multiple solutions to these common problems - we're not as helpless as the system sometimes makes us feel! I want to add one more tip that helped me: if you're using the online portal (www.ebt.ca.gov), try clearing your browser cache first if you're having trouble logging in or the site seems slow. Sometimes the government websites don't play well with stored data. Also, if you have an ad blocker running, you might need to disable it temporarily since some of these sites don't load properly with them enabled. For anyone who's hesitant about using the online option because they're worried about security - I was too at first! But after talking to a caseworker, I learned that the online portal actually has better security than giving your info over the phone since the call center representatives can see all your details on their screens. @Amina Toure I'm so happy you got your issue resolved! And thank you for starting this conversation - it's going to help so many people who find themselves in similar situations. This community really shows how much stronger we are when we share our knowledge and support each other through these challenging systems.
This is such great advice about the browser cache and ad blockers! I never would have thought of those technical issues, but it makes total sense that government websites might have compatibility problems. The security point about the online portal being safer than phone calls is really reassuring too - I was definitely nervous about entering all my personal info online, but knowing that call center reps can see everything anyway makes the website seem like the better option. I'm bookmarking all these tips! It's incredible how this thread started with one person's PIN problem and became this comprehensive guide that covers everything from basic solutions to advanced troubleshooting. Thank you @Dylan Campbell for adding even more practical wisdom to this amazing resource!
This has been such an educational thread! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits this month, I was really anxious about potentially running into technical issues like PIN problems. But seeing all these solutions and workarounds that everyone has shared makes me feel so much more prepared and confident. The browser cache tip is really smart - I definitely wouldn't have thought of that on my own. It's also reassuring to know that the online portal is actually more secure than phone calls. I'm saving this entire conversation as my EBT troubleshooting reference guide! Thanks to @Amina Toure for asking the original question and to everyone like @Dylan Campbell who kept adding helpful tips. This community is amazing!
This thread is absolutely amazing! I've been on CalFresh for about 2 years now and I wish I had known about all these options when I first started. I've definitely been through the frustrating phone system experience multiple times - sitting on hold forever only to get disconnected is the worst feeling when you just need to buy groceries for your family. The www.ebt.ca.gov online portal sounds like a total lifesaver. I had no idea you could reset your PIN there! I'm definitely bookmarking that site. And all the phone tips everyone shared are brilliant - I never thought about calling during lunch hours or using the Google Assistant hold feature. What really strikes me about this conversation is how it shows that we don't have to suffer in silence with these system problems. When we share our experiences and solutions, we make it easier for everyone. @Amina Toure thank you so much for asking this question and creating such a helpful resource for all of us! I'm saving this entire thread - it's like having a complete EBT troubleshooting manual written by people who actually understand what we're going through. This community is truly special!
Join the conversation
This entire thread has been such a valuable resource! Reading everyone's step-by-step experiences with the automated PIN change system has finally given me the confidence to make this a regular habit. I just called 877-328-9677 and you're all absolutely right - it took less than 3 minutes and was surprisingly straightforward. The prompts guide you through everything clearly, and having my card handy made it super smooth. I'm setting up a recurring reminder for the 8th of each month - that way I'll start building this protective habit right away. Also taking everyone's advice about being more selective with where I use my EBT card. The little market on my corner might be closer, but after reading about all the skimming risks, I'd rather make the extra trip to Kroger or Walmart where the card readers are more secure. What I love most about this discussion is how everyone's sharing real, practical strategies that actually work. It's scary that we have to worry about benefit theft at all, but knowing this community has each other's backs and proven systems for staying protected makes me feel so much more confident about safeguarding my food security. Thank you all for looking out for newcomers and sharing your hard-earned knowledge!
This is exactly what I needed to see! I've been putting off setting up a regular PIN change routine because I wasn't sure how complicated it would be, but reading your experience (and everyone else's) makes it clear that it's totally manageable. The 8th sounds like a perfect day for your monthly reminder - I think I'm going to pick a date and set mine up too. Your point about choosing security over convenience really resonates with me. I've been using my card at whatever store is closest without really thinking about the risks, but this whole thread has opened my eyes to how important it is to be strategic about where we shop. The peace of mind is definitely worth the extra few minutes to get to a safer location. What strikes me most about this entire discussion is how supportive everyone has been - sharing real experiences, practical tips, and genuinely looking out for each other's wellbeing. It makes dealing with something as stressful as benefit security feel so much less overwhelming when you know there's a community that has your back!
This thread has been absolutely amazing - so much practical advice! I was honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed about the skimming situation, but reading everyone's real experiences has made it feel totally manageable. Just tried the automated phone system (877-328-9677) that everyone's been recommending and wow, you all weren't kidding about how easy it is! The whole process took maybe 2.5 minutes and the prompts were super clear. I was expecting some complicated government phone maze, but it was actually really user-friendly. I'm setting up a monthly reminder for the 12th - that'll be my new PIN change day going forward. And I'm definitely switching to only shopping at major grocery stores from now on. The little convenience store near my apartment might be more convenient, but after reading about everyone's experiences with skimmers, it's just not worth risking my food benefits. Thank you all for creating such a supportive community where we actually share practical solutions instead of just worrying together! It's frustrating that we have to deal with scammers targeting our benefits at all, but knowing we have systems that work and people looking out for each other makes me feel so much more confident about protecting my food security.
I'm so glad you found the automated system easy to use too! It really is a relief when you realize it's not nearly as complicated as it seems. The 12th is a great choice for your monthly reminder - having that consistent date makes all the difference in actually sticking with the routine. You're absolutely making the smart choice about avoiding that convenience store. I know it feels like a hassle at first to go out of your way to bigger stores, but honestly after a few weeks it just becomes your normal shopping pattern. Plus the peace of mind knowing you're using secure card readers is totally worth those extra few minutes of travel time. What I love most about this whole discussion is seeing how everyone's experiences have helped so many people (including me!) finally take action on something we've all been worried about but maybe procrastinating on. There's something really powerful about hearing from people who are actually doing these things successfully every month rather than just reading generic safety tips. This community really does have each other's backs when it comes to protecting our food security!
Join the conversation
I've been using my CalFresh card for travel for over 3 years now and wanted to share some additional tips that might help! First, if you're staying in vacation rentals or Airbnbs with kitchens, that's often the most cost-effective way to use your benefits while traveling. Second, many grocery stores in tourist areas (especially near national parks) have limited hours or higher prices, so it's worth mapping out regular supermarkets in advance. Third, if you're traveling with kids and rely on WIC benefits too, those unfortunately don't work out of state, so plan accordingly. Finally, some smaller towns might have grocery stores that seem unfamiliar but are actually part of larger chains - for example, many regional stores in the Southwest are owned by Kroger or Albertsons and will definitely accept your EBT card. I've used mine successfully in 15+ states with only one fraud hold incident (which was resolved with a quick phone call). Safe travels and enjoy your family time!
This is such incredibly comprehensive advice, Paolo! Thank you for sharing your extensive travel experience with CalFresh. The tip about vacation rentals and Airbnbs with kitchens is brilliant - I hadn't even thought about that option but it makes perfect sense for maximizing your benefits while traveling. The point about tourist area grocery stores having limited hours and higher prices is really smart too - I definitely would have just gone to whatever store was closest without thinking about mapping out regular supermarkets first. I'm curious about your experience with those 15+ states - have you noticed any regional differences in how familiar cashiers are with out-of-state EBT cards? And that's really good to know about WIC not working across state lines - I don't use those benefits but I'm sure that information will help other families who do. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed practical advice from years of real experience!
This thread has been so incredibly helpful! I'm also planning my first trip out of state with CalFresh benefits - heading to visit my grandparents in Texas for about 2 weeks this fall. As someone who just started receiving benefits a few months ago, I was genuinely worried about whether my card would work outside California or if there were special steps I needed to take. Reading everyone's real experiences has put my mind completely at ease! I'm definitely saving that customer service number (1-877-328-9677) and will check my card's expiration date before I go. The tip about potential fraud holds is something I never would have considered but I'm so glad to know about it now. I'm also going to download the BenefitsCal app since so many people mentioned how useful it is for managing everything while away. Paolo's advice about mapping out regular supermarkets instead of just tourist area stores is brilliant - I would have definitely just gone to whatever was closest without thinking about price differences. It's amazing how much practical knowledge this community shares to help each other navigate the system successfully. Christian, I hope your trip to Arizona and Nevada goes perfectly!
Join the conversation
I'm brand new to this community but unfortunately dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Got approved for CalFresh 10 days ago and still haven't received my EBT card. I've been calling the county office repeatedly but just keep getting transferred around with no real answers. This entire thread has been absolutely invaluable - I had no idea there was a separate EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 or about the Sacramento facility change causing these massive delays. The county worker promised me 5-7 business days, so seeing everyone's experiences here makes it clear this is a systematic issue affecting so many families. I'm definitely calling tomorrow morning right at 8am and asking for that "status trace" - thank you all for sharing that specific terminology! It's such a relief to finally have concrete steps to take instead of just waiting helplessly and wondering if my case got lost somewhere in the system. The stress of stretching every dollar while knowing I have $542/month in approved benefits that I just can't access is overwhelming. But reading how supportive and knowledgeable this community is gives me hope that I can finally get some real answers. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories and practical advice - it's more helpful than anything I've gotten from official channels!
I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! I'm new to this community but unfortunately dealing with the exact same situation - got approved for CalFresh 8 days ago and still no EBT card in sight. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both reassuring (knowing I'm not alone) and eye-opening about how broken this system really is. The information about calling the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 instead of the county office is incredibly helpful - I've been banging my head against the wall trying to get through to someone who could actually help at my county office. And knowing about the Sacramento facility change and asking for a "status trace" gives me actual concrete steps to take. It's so frustrating that they're still telling people 5-7 business days when clearly everyone is waiting 2+ weeks minimum. My family is really feeling the financial strain right now and every day feels like forever when you're stretching the last few dollars for groceries. Thank you for posting this and to everyone who shared their advice and experiences - this thread has given me more actionable information than hours of trying to navigate official channels. I'm definitely calling that EBT line first thing tomorrow morning armed with all the tips from this community. We shouldn't have to become experts in bureaucratic navigation just to access approved benefits, but at least now I know there are real steps I can take instead of just waiting helplessly!
Natasha, welcome to the community! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this same incredibly stressful situation. As someone who's also new here and going through the EBT card delay nightmare, I completely understand that feeling of stretching every dollar while knowing you have approved benefits you just can't access. It's heartbreaking when you're already struggling financially and then the system that's supposed to help creates even more barriers. This thread has been such a lifesaver for all of us dealing with this! The tip about calling 1-877-328-9677 right at 8am and asking for a "status trace" seems to be the magic combination that finally gets real answers instead of just "wait longer" responses. At 8 days, you're definitely not being impatient - this delay is becoming the unfortunate norm with the Sacramento facility change. I'm planning to make that call tomorrow morning too, so hopefully we can both finally get some clarity on where our cards are! It's frustrating that we all have to become experts in navigating this broken system, but at least this community has armed us with the right information and language to advocate for ourselves effectively. Stay strong and don't give up - your benefits are approved and waiting for you!
Natasha, I'm so sorry you're going through this too! I'm also new to this community and dealing with the exact same EBT card delay - got approved 6 days ago and already starting to panic that something went wrong. This thread has been absolutely incredible for getting real information instead of the runaround we keep getting from county offices. The 8-day wait you're experiencing is unfortunately right on track with what everyone else is reporting here. It's both comforting and infuriating to know this is a widespread systematic issue rather than individual cases getting lost. The tip about calling 1-877-328-9677 at 8am and asking for that "status trace" seems to be the key to breaking through the bureaucratic wall. I'm planning to make that call tomorrow morning too - hopefully we can both finally get some concrete answers about where our cards are! It's so frustrating that they're still promising 5-7 days when the Sacramento facility change has clearly created 2+ week delays for everyone. But at least now we have the right language and timing to advocate for ourselves effectively. Stay strong and don't let them dismiss you - your $542/month in benefits is approved and waiting. We just need to cut through this administrative mess to access what we're entitled to!
QuantumQueen
Hi Isabella! I'm new to this community but just went through this exact same experience with my son's P-EBT card last week. Got that same terrifying "Can't access your account" message right after setting up the PIN, and I was convinced I'd have to start all over. But I tried using the card at Kroger the next morning with the PIN I had created, and it worked perfectly! Reading through all these responses, it's clear this is a super common glitch with California's P-EBT system - the PIN actually gets saved despite that scary error message. It's so frustrating that they haven't fixed this technical issue when it's obviously happening to tons of people. But at least now I know for future reference (and can warn other parents in my area) that the error doesn't mean the PIN setup failed. Thanks for starting this thread - it's going to be so helpful for other families dealing with this same confusing situation!
0 coins
Freya Pedersen
•Welcome to the community QuantumQueen! I'm also pretty new here but this thread has been such a lifesaver. It's amazing how many of us have had this exact same experience with that scary error message. I just went through this with my daughter's P-EBT card a couple days ago and was panicking until I found this discussion. You're absolutely right that California really needs to fix this glitch - it's causing so much unnecessary stress for families who are already dealing with enough challenges. But I'm so glad we can all share our experiences here and help reassure each other that the PIN setup actually works despite the error. This community is such a great resource for navigating all these confusing government systems!
0 coins
Zainab Mahmoud
Hi Isabella! I'm new to this community but just had to chime in because I literally went through this exact same thing with my daughter's P-EBT card just three days ago! I got that same "Can't access your account" error right after setting up the PIN and was absolutely panicking that I'd messed something up. After reading through everyone's experiences here, I'm so relieved to see this is clearly a widespread system glitch and not user error. I ended up trying the card at Walmart yesterday with the PIN I had originally set up, and it worked perfectly! It's honestly ridiculous that California's P-EBT system has such a consistent technical issue with the confirmation process, but at least the actual PIN setup goes through despite that scary error message. Thanks so much for starting this thread - it's going to save so many other families the stress and confusion of wondering if they need to start the whole process over. This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these government benefit systems!
0 coins