Best P-EBT phone prompts to actually reach a human representative?

same problem here!!! been calling the P-EBT number like crazy and just hear the robot lady telling me about the website WHICH DOESNT HELP!!!! did u try pressing 0 repeatedly? i heard that works for some systems

The P-EBT phone system is a nightmare compared to regular CalFresh! What worked for me was calling at exactly 8:01 AM when they first open, then pressing 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish), then 3 for card issues, then 2 for balance problems, then wait until they ask about your case number and press # twice. That sequence got me to a human after only 25 minutes on hold instead of getting stuck in the loop.

Former eligibility worker here - the P-EBT IVR system is different from the regular CalFresh system. For P-EBT specifically, the best sequence is: 1. Call the main P-EBT number (877-328-9677) 2. Press 1 (or appropriate language option) 3. Press 4 for "all other questions" 4. Then press 2 when it asks about card issues 5. When it asks for your case number, don't enter anything and wait - after 3 attempts it should transfer you to a queue for a representative Be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes even after getting in the queue. The system is designed to direct most people to self-service options, but these steps should get you to a human eventually. Always have your P-EBT card number ready when you call.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through? I was having the exact same problem with P-EBT and someone on this forum recommended it. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when a human picks up. Saved me hours of frustration with those automated systems. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - it worked well for my P-EBT issue when the card kept getting declined despite showing a balance.

U know the P-EBT is total different from calfresh rite??? Like they don't even have the same workers or phone systems. I spent 3 weeks trying to get my daughters card fixed cuz the school put in wrong birthdate. What finally worked was calling the COUNTY CalFresh office and explaining that it was about P-EBT - they transfered me to someone who could actually help!! The state P-EBt line is useless but county CalFresh sometimes can help!!

Just wanted to update - I actually got through to a human on the P-EBT line this morning! Called at 8:00am sharp, pressed 1, then 4, then 2, then just stayed silent when it asked for my case number. After about 3 minutes of automated prompts trying to get me to enter something, it finally said "transferring you to a representative" and I was on hold for about 20 minutes before someone picked up. They were able to fix the issue with my card - turns out it was flagged for suspicious activity because I tried to use it at three different stores in one day.

my neighbor works for social services (not p-ebt but she knows people) and she told me the secret is to select the option for LOST OR STOLEN CARD even if thats not ur problem!!! those calls get priority and u get a human faster. then just explain ur real problem when they answer. might not be ethical but it WORKS

I had the exact same issue last month! My daughter's P-EBT card showed $180 balance but kept getting declined everywhere. What finally worked for me was calling right at 8 AM (not 8:01 - literally right when they open) and following Alina's sequence: press 1, then 4, then 2, then stay completely silent when they ask for case info. The key is being patient during those automated prompts - don't press anything! After about 2-3 minutes it transferred me to hold. Took 35 minutes but I got through to someone who fixed it immediately. Turns out the card was "locked" due to multiple failed PIN attempts (my kid had been trying different combinations). They unlocked it right away and it worked at the store that same day. Good luck!

This is exactly what I needed! My 6-year-old's P-EBT card has been showing a balance but getting declined for over a week now. I've been calling every day during lunch breaks and getting nowhere with that automated system. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM sharp approach with the 1-4-2-silence sequence that multiple people have confirmed works. Really appreciate everyone sharing their actual experiences and step-by-step instructions - it's so much more helpful than the generic "contact customer service" advice you get everywhere else. Will report back once I try it tomorrow morning!