This is such a timely thread for me! I just started getting these phantom calls from DPSS yesterday and was completely panicking thinking I had messed up my initial application somehow. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it's clearly a widespread system issue that affects both new and long-term recipients. I'm definitely going to implement the suggestions about setting up text notifications in BenefitsCal and trying to call at 8am if I need to reach them. It's frustrating that we have to work around their broken phone system, but at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this! One thing I'm curious about - has anyone tried documenting these phantom calls and filing a complaint with the county about the malfunctioning system? It seems like if enough people reported this issue, they might actually prioritize fixing it. Though knowing government bureaucracy, that's probably wishful thinking... Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. This community really is a lifesaver for navigating all the DPSS chaos!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I just started getting these phantom calls from DPSS three days ago and was convinced I had somehow messed up my CalFresh application. The first time it happened, I literally ran across my apartment to grab the phone thinking it was finally my eligibility worker calling me back, only to hear dead silence and then the dial tone. It's happened five more times since then! Reading everyone's experiences here is such a huge relief - knowing it's a widespread system glitch and not something I did wrong takes away so much of my anxiety. I was starting to worry they were going to deny my benefits because they "couldn't reach me" even though they're the ones hanging up! I'm definitely going to set up those text notifications in BenefitsCal that @Luca Greco mentioned - that sounds way more reliable than this broken phone system. And I'll try the 8am calling strategy if I need to actually reach someone. Thank you all for sharing your tips and experiences. It's so helpful to know I'm not alone in dealing with this craziness!

Connor, I just wanted to jump in and say how amazing it is that you got selected after 4 years! I'm still on the waitlist myself and hearing success stories like yours gives me hope. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about CalFresh not counting as income - they're absolutely right. I just wanted to add something that might help with your nerves: remember that the housing authority WANTS you to succeed. They've invested time in processing your application and selecting you from thousands of people. They're not looking for reasons to disqualify you over minor paperwork issues. If you're still feeling overwhelmed, try breaking it down into smaller chunks. Maybe tackle one section of the application per day, or set a timer for 30 minutes and just focus on gathering documents. Sometimes when we're stressed, the whole task feels impossibly huge, but it's really just a series of smaller, manageable steps. You've already proven you have the patience and persistence to wait 4 years for this opportunity. The paperwork is just the final step between you and stable housing. You've absolutely got this!

Connor, I can totally relate to that panic feeling! I went through this exact same situation about 18 months ago and it's such a whirlwind of emotions - excitement about finally getting selected mixed with terror about messing up the paperwork. Everyone here has given you spot-on advice about CalFresh not counting as income for Section 8. I just wanted to share what helped me get through the application process: I created a simple spreadsheet with three columns - "Document Needed," "Have It," and "Submitted." It sounds nerdy but it really helped me stay organized and feel more in control when everything felt chaotic. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! I called my housing authority probably 5 times during the application process with random questions, and they were always patient and helpful. They see people go through this stress all the time. One last thing - once you get approved and move in with your Section 8 voucher, that stable housing is going to be such a game-changer. I know it's hard to see past the paperwork stress right now, but you're literally days away from having secure, affordable housing after 4 years of uncertainty. That's incredible! You've already shown you have the persistence to make it this far. The finish line is right there!

I'm brand new to this community and just joined after dealing with a similar scare with my benefits last week. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly educational and reassuring! I had no idea about the quarterly system maintenance causing these false discontinuation flags, or that services like Claimyr exist to help get through those impossible phone lines. My situation turned out to be a simple address verification issue, but I was panicking for days thinking I'd lose everything. It's amazing how much practical knowledge has been shared here - from the technical explanations about data matching to real success stories from people who got their issues resolved quickly. @StarSurfer I really hope you were able to get through and sort everything out! This community seems like such an incredible resource for navigating these complex systems that can feel so overwhelming when you're new to benefits. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and solutions - it's made such a difference for someone like me who's still learning how all this works!

I'm completely new to this community and just joined after discovering this thread while searching for help with CalFresh issues. As someone who recently started receiving benefits, this entire discussion has been incredibly eye-opening and educational! I had no idea about things like quarterly system maintenance causing false discontinuation flags, or that services like Claimyr exist to help navigate those impossible phone wait times. The technical explanations about data matching processes and income reporting thresholds are so valuable - this kind of behind-the-scenes information really isn't explained well during the application process. It's both reassuring and concerning to see how common these system glitches are, but the success stories from @Chloe Robinson, @Sean O'Brien, and others who got quick resolutions using that call service give me a lot of hope. @StarSurfer I really hope you were able to get through and resolve your situation with your kids depending on these benefits! This community seems like such an amazing resource for navigating these complex systems that can feel so overwhelming when you're new to them. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and practical solutions - I'm definitely bookmarking this thread as my reference guide!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to anyone, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM) when they open. I work part-time at a community center and we always tell people the phone lines are clearest in the first hour. Also, don't give up if the first agency you call is out of funding - there are usually multiple organizations in each county that administer these programs. I've seen people get help from their 3rd or 4th try when the first few places were tapped out. Keep a list of everyone you've called so you don't repeat yourself. Good luck with the 14-day deadline - that's really stressful but there are definitely options out there!

Just went through this exact situation 3 months ago! Here's what worked for me as a CalFresh recipient: 1. Applied for LIHEAP through my county's Community Action Agency (got $450 toward my bill) 2. Called my utility company (SCE) and got enrolled in CARE program for ongoing 20% discount 3. Got connected to their payment plan to spread out remaining balance The key was doing ALL of these at the same time, not waiting for one to process before starting the next. With your 14-day deadline, definitely call your utility company TODAY and mention you're applying for assistance - they legally have to postpone disconnection while applications are pending. Also bring your CalFresh EBT card when you apply for LIHEAP - it speeds up the income verification process since you're already pre-qualified. Don't forget to ask about the weatherization program too if your place is drafty! Total time from application to getting help was about 3 weeks, but the disconnection protection started immediately once I called the utility company. You got this!

What an incredible thread to read through! As someone new to both this community and the CalFresh system, I'm amazed at how much practical knowledge everyone has shared here. Alexis, I'm so sorry you had to go through this stressful situation, but it's wonderful to see how the community rallied around you with real, actionable advice. The fact that you were able to secure an emergency vault voucher shows how important it is to advocate for yourself and ask to speak with supervisors when facing genuine hardship. I'm definitely taking notes on all the tips shared here - from the 8am calling strategy to keeping card numbers written down separately at home. This thread should honestly be required reading for anyone new to using EBT benefits. The combination of official processes (like calling the customer service line) and community resources (food banks, churches, libraries) really shows how many safety nets exist when you know where to look. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is invaluable for families navigating these systems!

As someone who's been navigating the California benefits system for a few years now, I wanted to add a couple more resources that might help in situations like this. First, many community colleges have emergency food pantries that are open to community members, not just students - they often have more supplies than campus pantries at universities. Second, if you're in a rural area where food banks might be far away, check if your area has a "Little Free Pantry" network - these are small community-stocked food boxes that you can access 24/7. You can find them through Facebook community groups or by searching "Little Free Pantry" plus your city name. Also, Alexis, I'm so glad you were persistent in asking for that emergency vault voucher - it really shows other people that these options exist if you keep pushing and ask for supervisors. Your experience is going to help so many other families who find themselves in similar situations. Thanks for sharing your story and creating such a valuable resource thread for this community!