Can't reach CalFresh customer service about my missing EBT benefits

This is happening to EVERYONE right now! They're claiming it's a "system update" causing delays but I think they're just understaffed and don't care about us. I've been trying to reach someone for a WEEK about my recertification and keep getting the runaround. Try calling right when they open at 8am, sometimes you can get through then, but be prepared to wait at least 30-45 minutes even if you do get in the queue.

I work as an eligibility specialist (not for CalFresh, but another county program), and I can tell you that call volumes are extremely high right now. There was a statewide system update in early 2025 that's caused some benefit delays. Your benefits aren't lost - they're just delayed. However, you should still try to reach someone to check on your specific case. My suggestion is to: 1. Try the BenefitsCal website and send a secure message through your account 2. If you can't get through by phone, go in person to your county office if possible 3. Check if your county has an email address specifically for CalFresh issues Also, make sure you didn't miss submitting your SAR7 or any requested verification documents, as that's the most common reason for benefits not being issued.

I was in the same situation last month and wasted DAYS trying to get through on the phone. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to a CalFresh worker in about 20 minutes. It basically calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when an actual human picks up. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Try contacting your local community action agency or food bank. They often have direct contacts with CalFresh workers and can help advocate for you. Also, if you're dealing with an emergency situation (like no food for your children), make sure to tell them it's an "expedited services" situation when you do reach someone. They are required to address those within 3 days. Also, double check that your case hasn't been transferred to a different worker or unit. Sometimes notices about that get lost in the mail or end up in the wrong pile of papers.

same thing happened to me last month but it was cause i forgot to report my new job on the sar7 lol. they finally fixed it after i went in person and waited for like 4 hours. bring a book if u go to the office!!!

Just a follow-up on what I mentioned earlier - if you do use BenefitsCal to send a message, make sure to include your case number, name, and specifically state that you have not received your monthly benefits despite being active. Also note any recent changes that might have affected your case (address, income, household composition, etc.). Some counties are prioritizing cases with income changes due to the new Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) adjustments that went into effect in January 2025. If your income changed recently, even slightly, mention that specifically.

i tried that claimyr thing somebody mentioned n it actually worked!! got through to a person in like 30 min after trying for days. they said my case was flagged for verification but they never sent me the notice 🙄 typical. getting it fixed now tho!

Just an update on my situation - I finally got through this morning by calling right at 8am. Waited 25 minutes but finally talked to someone. Turns out they implemented some new verification system in January that flagged a bunch of accounts for "review" but they're behind on processing them. The worker manually pushed mine through. You should ask if yours got caught in the same verification backlog.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! My benefits were supposed to load on the 15th but nothing came through. I've been calling that same number for days with no luck. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like there's a widespread problem with their new verification system. I'm going to try calling at 8am tomorrow and also look into that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - it's frustrating but at least I know I'm not alone in this. @Emily Nguyen-Smith I hope you get your benefits sorted out soon, especially with kids to feed. This system is broken and they need to fix it ASAP.