Desperately need to reach a CalFresh worker - can't get past EBT automated system

omg same!!! been trying 4 days straight to reach someone. tried calling at 8am sharp when they open and still got nowhere. the system is rigged to keep us out i swear

I've been through this frustrating experience too. Here's what actually works: don't call the EBT customer service line for benefit amount questions. That line is only for card issues (lost/stolen/PIN problems). For questions about your benefit amount decreasing, you need to contact your specific county office directly. The number should be on any of your approval/change notices. If you can't find it, you can look up your county CalFresh office number online by searching "[your county] CalFresh phone number". When you call the county office, try these tips: 1. Call early in the morning (first 30 minutes after they open) 2. Have your case number ready 3. If asked for a reason, say "urgent benefit reduction without notice" 4. Be prepared to verify your identity with DOB, address, etc. Also, check your BenefitsCal account online if you have one - sometimes there are notices there explaining benefit changes that never arrived in the mail.

try pressing 2 then 1 then 4 when u call. thats how i got thru last time. but yeah they never pick up most days lol good luck

If you're having trouble reaching someone at your county CalFresh office, you might want to try using Claimyr. It's a service that waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person answers. I used it last month when I was in a similar situation with an unexplained benefit reduction. I spent days trying to get through the normal way but kept getting disconnected. With Claimyr, they got me through to a worker in about 40 minutes while I was able to keep working. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It was a lifesaver when I needed to get my issue resolved quickly.

Your benefits might have decreased if you didn't submit your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) on time. This happened to me last year, and I didn't receive any notice either until AFTER my benefits were cut. Check your BenefitsCal account to see when your last SAR7 was due. If that's the case, you'll need to submit the form immediately. You can download it from the BenefitsCal website or pick one up at your county office. If you submit it within 30 days of the end of your SAR period, they should restore your full benefits. But yes, you'll definitely need to speak with a human to get this resolved quickly. The EBT customer service can't help with this - you must reach your county office directly.

I work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate benefits, and this is unfortunately a very common problem. Here's what you should know: 1. The EBT customer service line (the number on your card) is only for card-related issues - lost/stolen cards, PIN resets, or checking your balance. They cannot help with benefit amount questions. 2. For benefit amount changes, missing recertifications, or SAR7 issues, you need to contact your county office directly. 3. Every county office has specific call hours and procedures. Some counties only accept calls on certain days for certain case numbers. 4. If your benefits decreased without notice, it's likely due to one of these reasons: - Missing SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) - Unreported income that was discovered - Household composition change not reported - Crossing the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) 5. The fastest way to resolve this is to visit your county office in person if possible. Bring ID and your case number. If you can't visit in person, try to reach a supervisor by calling early in the morning and specifically asking for urgent assistance with a benefit reduction affecting children's food security.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! i spent 3 DAYS trying to reach someone last month when they suddenly cut my benefits because of a "missing document" that I DEFINITELY turned in!!! when i finally got through they admitted it was THEIR ERROR but i had to go 2 weeks with reduced benefits while they "fixed" it. NO APOLOGY nothing. and they wonder why people get so angry with them...

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! I followed the advice to call the county office directly (not the EBT line) first thing in the morning. After about a 45-minute wait, I spoke with a worker who confirmed I missed my SAR7 deadline. She helped me submit it over the phone and said my benefits should be restored within 10 days, and they'll issue supplemental benefits for what I missed this month. For anyone else in this situation - definitely call your specific county office, not the EBT customer service line. And keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. I'm setting calendar reminders for all my future SAR7 and recertification deadlines so this doesn't happen again. Thanks to everyone who helped!