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!