Finally reached CalFresh after 3+ hours on hold - is the system broken in 2025?

Sorry you had to wait so long - the system is absolutely overwhelmed right now because they reduced staffing after the budget cuts. For the missing verification issue, it's usually one of three things: 1) They need a specific month's paystubs that might be missing, 2) The paystubs you uploaded didn't show YTD earnings, or 3) There was a system glitch where they can see you uploaded something but can't open the file. For fastest resolution, I recommend uploading the documents again but also writing a detailed note in the 'comments' section stating exactly what you're providing and why. Then, call back but try during their least busy times (typically Wednesday or Thursday mornings right when they open). Also make sure you're using the correct county number - sometimes the main CalFresh line will transfer you to the wrong county office.

happened to me 2. they cut my bennefits without telling me why and when i finally got someone on the phone they said i didnt send my sar7 but i DID send it they just lost it. had to fax it again and wait 2 more weeks with no food money. the whole system is mess up fr

Next time you need to get through to a CalFresh worker without wasting your entire day, try using Claimyr. I was in your exact situation last month - needed to talk to someone about my SAR7 verification and couldn't get through after days of trying. A friend told me about their service that holds your place in line and calls you when a real person picks up. Saved me like 4 hours of hold time. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Seriously, no more dead-arm from holding the phone or missing work just to deal with CalFresh issues.

The CalFresh system is definitely strained this year with all the new public charge rule applicants coming into the system. BUT I want to make sure you know your rights - they CANNOT discontinue your benefits without proper notice stating EXACTLY what verification is missing. If they didn't specify, that's grounds for an appeal and you should be entitled to aid paid pending the appeal decision. Call and specifically ask for an "Administrative Appeal Form" and state that you want "aid paid pending." Write on the form that you never received specific notice of what verification was missing. They are required by law to continue your benefits while they investigate. ALSO, make sure you check what address they have on file - sometimes notices go to old addresses if your info wasn't updated.

has anyone else noticed that the calfresh system is way worse since they updated to that new computer system?? my worker told me theres all kinds of glitches happening. somtimes documents show as missing even when there actually in the system! they should of tested it better before switching everything over!!!!!

I went through this exact thing last month! After getting disconnected FIVE TIMES, I finally drove to the actual office and sat there for 4 hours until someone helped me. Turns out they needed my bank statements even though I'd already submitted my paystubs. The worst part is that apparently they sent me a notice about it, but to my old address even though I had updated my address online THREE TIMES!!!! If you're able to go in person, sometimes that's actually faster than trying to call. Just bring every possible document they might need - ID, paystubs, bank statements, rent receipts, utility bills, everything. The fact that they make it this hard for people who are just trying to feed their families is honestly criminal. And they wonder why people give up on the system...

lol 3 hrs 47 mins is nothing. try 5+ hours and then getting hung up on right when someone answers 💀 calfresh system is trash

Quick update on the rules for 2025 - if you're making $2,350/month as a single person with kids, you should still qualify for CalFresh. The current gross income limit for a household of 3 is $3,780/month as of the April 2025 adjustment. Make sure you're claiming all deductions you're entitled to as well - child care expenses, child support payments if applicable, and shelter costs (rent + utilities). These all increase your benefit amount. When you get through again, specifically ask them to explain why your case was discontinued despite being under the income limit. Request a "Case Review Conference" which is less formal than an appeal but can often resolve issues faster. And always get the worker's ID number or name when you speak with someone - this accountability helps tremendously if you need to reference the conversation later.

i hate how they expect us to be available to sit on hold all day when we WORK. like do they think people on calfresh dont have jobs????? the whole system is designed to make u give up

After you get this resolved, I highly recommend signing up for text alerts about your case. Go to BenefitsCal.com, log in, and under "Communication Preferences" select text messaging for ALL notification types. This way even if they mail something that gets lost, you'll get a text alert when there's an action needed. This has literally saved my benefits multiple times when they needed additional verification but the letter never arrived.