EBT phone line keeps hanging up on me - can't check CalFresh balance or reach county

Have you tried checking your balance using the BenefitsCal website or the mobile app? Both should show your current balance without having to call. The EBT phone system has been having technical issues since they upgraded in January. If those don't work for you, try calling very early in the morning (right when they open at 7:30am) - that's when the wait times are shortest.

did u try the text message option? u can register ur phone to get balance by text. but sometimes it takes a day to set up

The county call center system has been ABSOLUTELY USELESS lately! I've been trying to reach someone about my renewal for two weeks and keep getting disconnected too. They claim they're "upgrading the system" but it's just another excuse to make it harder for us to access our benefits. This is how they try to reduce their caseloads - make it impossible to actually talk to anyone! I'm beyond frustrated.

I had the same issue last week and found a service called Claimyr that actually worked for me! Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they hold your place in line and call you back when a worker is available. I was skeptical but it worked perfectly - only took about 35 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours of trying. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or go to claimyr.com. It's honestly the only way I've been able to get through to my worker lately with all these phone system issues.

Just to clarify some of the suggestions here: 1. For the BenefitsCal app/website issues - they do maintenance every night from 11pm-4am, and sometimes it extends longer. Try again after 8am. 2. For text message balance checking: Text 'BAL' to 42265 after you've registered your phone number. To register, call the EBT customer service number (when it's working) and follow the prompts to add your mobile number. 3. If you urgently need to know your balance, some grocery stores like Food4Less or Safeway can print your balance on a receipt if you swipe your EBT card at the customer service desk (without making a purchase). Hope this helps!

In response to @profile7 - yes, it does work. I was skeptical too but it saved me tons of time. I was about to lose my benefits because I couldn't get through to verify some income documentation they needed. The service just holds your place in line and calls you when someone picks up.

u know wats crazy tho? my friend in Alameda county said their office has a callback option now but Sac county doesnt have it why not all counties do this??

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! Called at exactly 7:30am and only waited 20 mins. Turns out my benefits were reduced because my son turned 18 last month and they automatically adjusted my household size even though he's still in high school! The worker fixed it and said I'll get the difference added to next month's benefits. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!

I'm so glad you were able to get through and get this resolved! The household size adjustment issue is really frustrating - they should definitely send a notice before making those changes automatically. For anyone else dealing with similar phone system issues, I've found that calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tends to have shorter wait times than Mondays and Fridays. Also, if you have to call back multiple times, write down the reference number from your previous call - it can help the next worker find your case faster.

Welcome to the community @profile22! You're absolutely right that there's a lot of strategy involved in just accessing basic services, which is frustrating but unfortunately necessary. A few more tips that might help you as you're getting started: keep a notebook with important dates (like when you submitted documents, renewal deadlines, etc.) and take notes during calls including the worker's name and what was discussed. Also, if you ever have issues with your case, don't hesitate to ask to speak with a supervisor - sometimes they can resolve things faster than the front-line workers. And definitely take advantage of this community - everyone here has been through similar struggles and the collective knowledge is invaluable!

This whole thread has been so helpful! I've been dealing with similar phone system issues trying to get through about my recertification paperwork. The early morning calling tip definitely works - I finally got through yesterday at 7:35am after trying for over a week. One thing I wanted to add is that if you're having trouble with the BenefitsCal app, sometimes clearing your browser cache or deleting and reinstalling the mobile app can help when it keeps saying "system temporarily unavailable." Also, for anyone who needs to check their balance regularly, most ATMs will show your EBT balance for free when you insert your card and select "balance inquiry" - you don't have to make a withdrawal. It's saved me so many headaches when the phone lines are down!

As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now, I can totally relate to the frustration with the phone system! It's honestly ridiculous how difficult they make it just to check basic account information. I've found that keeping the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) saved in my phone with a note about the best times to call has been super helpful. Also, if anyone is still having trouble with the BenefitsCal website, try using a different browser - I was having issues with Chrome but it worked fine in Firefox. And definitely seconding what others have said about grocery store customer service desks - Walmart and Target can also print your balance receipt if you ask nicely. It's sad that we have to jump through so many hoops, but at least we can share these workarounds with each other!

I've been dealing with similar issues but found another workaround that might help! If you have a smartphone, you can also check your balance using the ebtEDGE mobile app - it's separate from BenefitsCal and sometimes works when the main systems are down. You just need to create an account with your card number and PIN. Also, for future reference, many banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs will show your EBT balance without any fees - just look for the "EBT" option on the main menu. I keep a list of nearby ATM locations that accept EBT cards saved in my phone for emergencies like this. The phone system issues have been getting worse lately, so having multiple backup options has been a lifesaver!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm relatively new to CalFresh and had no idea there were so many different ways to check your balance when the phone system fails. I've been struggling with similar issues - spent 2 hours on hold yesterday only to get disconnected right when someone picked up. The grocery store receipt trick is genius and I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy. It's honestly frustrating that we have to develop all these workarounds just to access our benefits, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share their real-world solutions. The system really needs to be more user-friendly, but at least we can help each other navigate it!