Frustrated with CalFresh phone wait times - 5 hours on hold! Any alternatives?

I feel your pain! Waited 3+ hours last month trying to explain that I submitted my verification docs already but they claimed they never got them. So frustrating! The system is broken. At least back when you could go in person, you knew you'd eventually talk to someone instead of getting hung up on after wasting half your day.

my cousin works for DPSS and she says monday mornings are the absolute WORST time to call. try thursday afternoon around 3pm, supposedly its less busy then

Unfortunately, LA County hasn't fully restored walk-in services since the pandemic. They still strongly encourage using the BenefitsCal website for most changes, but I know the site can be glitchy for address updates. For address and income changes, have you tried using the BenefitsCal app? You can upload income verification documents directly. For the address change, make sure you have proof of residence ready (utility bill, lease, etc.). Most changes can be reported online now without calling. If you absolutely need to speak with someone, try calling right when they open at 7:30am. The queue fills up quickly after 8.

I've been dealing with CalFresh for 7 years now and I've discovered a service called Claimyr that saved me so much time and frustration. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they wait on hold for you and call you back when a real person gets on the line. I was skeptical but tried it when I was desperate about my recertification issue. Worked great! Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or their website claimyr.com. Seriously worth it for important calls when you can't sit around all day.

Try emailing your worker directly if you have their email address. I gave up on the phone system entirely and just email everything. Sometimes they respond within a day or two. Also include your case number in EVERY communication!!!!

If your SAR7 is due next week, you should prioritize getting that submitted correctly over trying to report the changes by phone. As long as you report the address and income changes ON the SAR7 form and submit it on time with verification, you'll be fine - they won't discontinue your benefits for not reporting it separately before the SAR7. The most important thing is making sure that SAR7 is turned in on time with ALL verification documents (pay stubs, rent receipts, utility bills showing your new address). You can submit it through BenefitsCal, by mail, or by dropping it off at any DPSS office in the drop box. If the online system gives you trouble, take photos of all documents and the completed SAR7, then physically drop them off at a DPSS office drop box. Get a receipt if possible!

THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US GIVE UP!!! They WANT you to miss deadlines or get frustrated and stop trying. I've literally had workers tell me "we're overloaded with cases" as if that's MY problem. We need to start complaining to our state representatives because this is ridiculous. People are going hungry because they can't get through on a phone line.

Quick update on LA County services: They recently started a pilot program at some offices where you can schedule a phone appointment instead of calling the main line. Check the LA DPSS website to see if your local office offers this. You pick a time slot and they call YOU instead of making you wait on hold. Much better system if it's available in your area.

I've been dealing with similar issues in Orange County and found that using the MyBenefitsCalWIN mobile app actually works better than the website for document uploads. The app seems to handle file sizes better and doesn't crash as much. Also, if you're really stuck, try reaching out to your local food bank - many of them have CalFresh navigators who can help you submit documents or even make calls on your behalf. They know the system inside and out and sometimes have direct contacts at DPSS offices. Worth a shot while you're trying the other suggestions!

Have you tried calling the state-level CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663? Sometimes they can help with urgent issues when the county lines are jammed. I used it once when I couldn't get through to my local office and they were able to make a note on my case about a missed appointment. They can't do everything the county workers can, but for simple updates like address changes they might be able to help or at least document that you're trying to report the change before your SAR7 deadline. Worth a try since you're running out of time!

I went through the exact same nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was a combination of strategies. First, I set up the callback option through the automated system if your county has it - you keep your place in line but don't have to stay on the phone. Second, I started faxing documents directly to my local DPSS office (the fax number should be on your case materials). It's old school but they actually process faxed documents pretty quickly. Also, pro tip: if you have a smartphone, download an app that can scan documents to PDF - makes it so much easier to get clear copies of pay stubs and bills for uploading or faxing. I use CamScanner but there are free options too. The quality makes a huge difference in whether they accept your documents or ask for resubmissions. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly frustrating when you're just trying to follow the rules and report changes properly!

I'm dealing with similar wait times in Sacramento County - it's absolutely maddening! One thing that's helped me is calling the general CalFresh info line first (1-877-847-3663 like Faith mentioned) to confirm what documents I actually need before dealing with the county office. They can't make changes but they helped me understand exactly what to include on my SAR7 so I didn't waste time with incomplete submissions. Also, I've had better luck with the online chat feature on the BenefitsCal website during off-peak hours (like 2-4 PM on weekdays). The chat agents can't do everything but they can at least tell you if your documents were received and processed. It's not perfect but beats sitting on hold for hours just to ask "did you get my stuff?" The whole system definitely needs an overhaul but these workarounds have saved my sanity while we're stuck with what we have. Good luck with your SAR7 - you've got this!

I'm new here but had to jump in because I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! Just moved to California from Arizona and the difference in wait times is shocking. Back in AZ I could usually get through in 30-45 minutes max. Here I've been trying for two weeks to report my move and new job - longest wait was 4.5 hours before I gave up. Reading through all these comments is giving me so much hope though! I had no idea about the state hotline, the mobile app being different from the website, or the chat feature. Going to try the Thursday 3pm strategy first, then work through all these other options. The food bank navigator idea is genius too - there's one right by my new apartment. Thank you everyone for actually giving real solutions instead of just "call earlier" or "use the website." This community is already proving more helpful than the actual DPSS phone system! 🙏

I've been through this exact same frustration in Riverside County! One thing that saved me was downloading the GetHuman app - it actually tells you the best times to call different government offices based on real user data. For DPSS offices, it usually shows early morning (7:30-8:30 AM) or mid-afternoon (2-4 PM) as the shortest wait times. Also, if you're comfortable with it, try calling from multiple phones if you have access (your phone, a family member's, etc.) and see which gets through first, then hang up the others. I know it sounds a bit much but when you're facing a 5-hour wait, desperate times call for desperate measures! One last tip - document everything! Take screenshots of your wait times, note when you get disconnected, etc. If your benefits get cut because you couldn't get through, you'll have evidence for an appeal that you were trying to comply. The system is broken but at least you can protect yourself with documentation.

Hey Sean! I feel your pain - I went through something similar in San Bernardino County last month. One trick that finally worked for me was using the "callback" feature in the automated system if your county has it. Instead of staying on hold, you can request a callback and they'll call you back when it's your turn. Also, I discovered that some counties have a separate phone line specifically for SAR7 questions that's less busy than the main line. Try looking on your county's DPSS website for a direct SAR7 hotline number. Since your SAR7 is due next week, you might also want to try submitting it online first with your address and income changes included, then follow up with a phone call later to make sure everything processed correctly. At least that way you're not risking missing the deadline while trying to get through on the phone. The most important thing is getting that SAR7 in on time - you can always clarify details later if needed!

I just went through this nightmare in Fresno County! What finally worked for me was a combination of the early morning call (7:30 AM sharp) and having all my documents ready in the MyBenefitsCalWIN app beforehand. The key was calling the second they opened - I literally set an alarm for 7:25 AM and started dialing at exactly 7:30. Got through in about 45 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours. Also, pro tip: when you do get through, ask the worker for their direct extension and email if possible. Some will give it to you for follow-up questions, which can save you from going through the main line again. And definitely try that state hotline someone mentioned - I used it once when my county line was down completely and they were actually really helpful. Don't give up! The system is absolutely broken but there are ways to work around it. Your family needs those benefits and you shouldn't have to choose between keeping your job and accessing services you're entitled to. Sending you good luck vibes for getting through tomorrow! 🤞

I'm dealing with the same frustrating situation in Kern County! One thing that's helped me recently is using the "Submit a Question" feature on the BenefitsCal website - it's not as good as talking to someone directly, but I've actually gotten responses within 2-3 business days for simple questions about document requirements. They can't make changes to your case through that system, but they can clarify what you need to include on your SAR7. Also, if you have a local Legal Aid office nearby, some of them have CalFresh advocates who can help navigate the system or even conference call with you when you do get through. I used this service once when I was confused about my eligibility after a job change, and having someone who knows the system sitting right there with me made the call so much more productive. For immediate relief while you're trying these other strategies, make sure you're signed up for any local food pantries or community resources. It won't replace your CalFresh benefits but can help bridge the gap if there are any delays. The stress of potentially losing $850/month while trying to do everything right is just unbearable - you're definitely not alone in this struggle!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the CalFresh phone system is absolutely brutal right now. I'm in San Diego County and have had similar experiences with multi-hour waits. One thing that's helped me is calling the automated line late at night (like 10-11 PM) just to check your case status and see if any documents are missing - you can't make changes but at least you know where you stand without waiting on hold. Also, since you mentioned your SAR7 is due next week, try submitting it through the mail as a backup plan. I always make copies and send important forms via certified mail so I have proof of delivery. The post office receipt with tracking gives you evidence that you submitted on time even if their system is slow to process it. For what it's worth, I've found that income changes reported ON the SAR7 form (rather than separately beforehand) are totally acceptable as long as you include current pay stubs. Don't let them make you feel like you're doing something wrong - you're trying to follow the rules and it's their broken system that's making it impossible! Hang in there! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this Sean - the 5 hour wait time followed by getting disconnected is just heartbreaking! I went through something similar in Contra Costa County last year and completely understand your frustration. One thing that really helped me was downloading the 211 app and calling 2-1-1 directly. They have CalFresh navigators who can sometimes help you submit documents or even do three-way calls with DPSS while you're both on the line. It's free and they're specifically trained to help people navigate these exact situations. Also, since you mentioned you're worried about your SAR7 deadline, try checking if your local DPSS office has a secure drop box outside the building. Even if walk-in appointments aren't available, most offices still have 24/7 drop boxes where you can submit your SAR7 with all the address/income changes included. Just make sure to get a timestamped receipt or take a photo of yourself dropping it off. The system is absolutely broken but please don't give up - your family deserves those benefits and you're doing everything right by trying to report changes properly. Sending you strength to get through this bureaucratic nightmare! 🙏