Can't reach California CalFresh? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
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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am i the only one who thinks its insane we gotta worry about getting HELP after a FIRE?? like how messed up is that? "oh your house burned down here's help but also we might cut your food money" what a joke
I know right? I'm already stressed enough dealing with finding a new place and replacing everything I lost. Having to worry about losing benefits on top of it feels cruel.
Totally agree. And every worker gives different answers! My friend got the same rental assistance as me (we were in the same building that flooded) but HER benefits weren't affected at all. Makes no sense.
Since you mentioned this was due to a fire, make sure to specify this is DISASTER-related emergency assistance on your paperwork. There are specific exemptions for disaster assistance that might not apply to regular rental assistance programs. Also, request a letter from the non-profit stating this is a one-time vendor payment related to a disaster. Having this documentation ready before you submit your SAR7 can prevent misunderstandings that lead to incorrect benefit reductions.
That's excellent advice. I'll definitely get that letter from them. Should I wait until my next regular SAR7 reporting period or report this change sooner?
You should report it within 10 days of receiving the assistance, even if it's before your regular SAR7 period. Changes in circumstances need to be reported promptly, but since this is likely excluded income anyway, reporting it early with proper documentation will actually protect you from any potential issues later.
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Just to follow up - after reading all these comments, it sounds like your retroactive benefits are likely coming but may be delayed. If the BenefitsCal website shows a pending issuance, that's a good sign. If you don't see anything by next week, definitely call your county office to check on the status. Be sure to mention specifically that you're calling about retroactive benefits from your application date (Nov 10) through your approval month (Dec). The way the CalFresh system works, those should be issued to you unless there were specific circumstances that changed your eligibility during that time period.
Thank you so much for following up! I'll wait until next week and then call if necessary. This has been really helpful. I was starting to worry I'd done something wrong on my application.
I work as a benefits specialist and see this situation frequently. You're absolutely entitled to retroactive benefits from your November 10th application date. The fact that you're seeing a pending issuance in BenefitsCal is actually a really good sign - that usually means the retroactive payment is being processed. In my experience, when current month benefits load first (like your January payment did), the system typically processes retroactive benefits within 7-14 business days after. Since you mentioned having to provide additional income verification, make sure when you call (if needed) that you emphasize you submitted your application on November 10th and provided all requested documents within the required timeframe. The county should honor your original application date for benefit calculation purposes.
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Btw i used to think calfresh and caLworks were the same thing lol. Took me forever to figure out one is cash aid and one is food benefits! 🤦♀️
Wait, they're different programs? I thought CalFresh was just the new name for food stamps and CalWorks was something else entirely. Is it possible to be on both programs at the same time?
Yes, they're completely separate programs! CalFresh is specifically for food assistance (formerly called Food Stamps) while CalWORKs provides cash aid to families with children. Many families qualify for both, so if you have children and low income, you should definitely check if you qualify for CalWORKs too. The application process is similar, and you can apply for both through the same BenefitsCal portal.
Welcome to the community and congrats on getting approved! Just wanted to add a few tips from someone who's been using CalFresh for about a year now: 1. Download multiple apps to check your balance - I use both the ConnectEBT app and the BenefitsCal app as backups in case one is down 2. Keep your receipt from your last purchase - it shows your remaining balance at the bottom 3. If you shop at farmers markets, many accept EBT and some even match your spending dollar-for-dollar through programs like Market Match 4. Consider meal planning around your benefit deposit date - I find it helps me budget better throughout the month The learning curve can feel overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. This community is super helpful if you have questions later on!
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my friend got denied then reapplied like 2 weeks later and got approved so u should just do it now
Exactly!!! They can always deny you again but at least ur in the system faster if you apply now rather than waiting!!!
Hey! I just want to add that when you reapply, make sure to mention that you're breastfeeding if you are - that can actually help with your CalFresh calculation because nursing moms get additional deductions. Also, if you're having trouble affording formula, check if your local food banks have any - some of them specifically stock baby formula and diapers. I know the Alameda County Community Food Bank usually has formula available, and there might be similar resources in your area. Don't give up, the system is frustrating but you deserve the help!
StarStrider
Will do! I'm calling first thing in the morning and I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for all the help everyone!
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NeonNebula
Just went through this exact situation 3 months ago when I moved from Fresno to Orange County! Here's what worked for me: Call the EBT customer service line early in the morning (around 8 AM) - way shorter wait times. Have your SSN, both case numbers, and both card numbers ready. They'll verify your identity and can do the transfer right on the call. Mine took exactly 2 business days to show up on the new card. One tip nobody mentioned - ask them to email you a confirmation number for the transfer request. That way if something goes wrong you have proof you requested it. Also, keep using your old card for small purchases until you see the balance transfer, just to make sure it's still active. The rep told me some people's old cards get deactivated faster than others depending on how quickly the counties communicate with each other. Good luck! The process is way less scary than it seems once you get the right person on the phone.
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