CalFresh workers NEVER return calls - 3 weeks with no response about my pending benefits

same here, left 6 msgs last month and nobody ever called back. finally went down in person and waited 4 hours but at least got my issue fixed. the whole system is broken tbh

Unfortunately this is extremely common with the county offices right now. They're severely understaffed and each worker is handling hundreds of cases. That doesn't excuse it, but explains why it's happening. Here are some strategies that might help: 1. Call the main CalFresh customer service line (not your direct worker) and explain you've been waiting beyond the 30-day limit 2. Ask specifically for an "expedited processing review" which can flag your case 3. Send a detailed message through your BenefitsCal online account 4. Request a supervisor review by name if possible 5. Contact your county's ombudsperson (every county has one) You do have rights as an applicant - they must process your application within the 30-day timeline unless they've requested additional verification from you.

I was in your EXACT situation last month and wasted so much time leaving messages. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the county office in like 15 minutes. They basically call for you and when they reach a real person, they connect you. Saved me days of frustration. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and website claimyr.com. It was totally worth it to get my benefits unstuck.

The system is INTENTIONALLY designed this way!!! They want us to give up so they don't have to provide benefits. I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and NEVER ONCE has a worker returned my call. Not once!!! The only way to get anything done is to physically go to the office and refuse to leave until someone helps you. Bring water and a phone charger because you'll be there all day. They won't even let you schedule appointments anymore in my county.

Have you tried calling exactly at 8:00am when they open? That's the only time I can ever get through. If you call even 5 minutes later, forget it. Also try pressing different options in the phone menu - sometimes I pretend I'm a new applicant instead of selecting the option for existing cases and I get through faster. Good luck!

Two things that helped me: 1. I wrote down the exact wording on my application/case number/last 4 of SSN when leaving messages 2. I specifically said in my message "My family has no food and I'm requesting expedited service under CalFresh regulations section 63-301.5" When you cite the actual regulations, suddenly they find time to call you back! My worker called me within 2 hours after I left that message, after ignoring me for weeks before.

does ur county have the text option? my county added a text line & i get responses way faster than phone

Quick update to my earlier response - I wanted to clarify that if your application has been pending for 3 weeks, that's actually still within the standard 30-day processing timeframe. However, if you indicated on your application that you meet expedited service criteria (very low income/resources or high housing costs compared to income), they should process your application within 3 days. If you didn't request expedited service initially, you can still request it now. Make sure to mention if your household income is less than $150/month and your resources are under $100, OR if your housing costs exceed your income/resources.