Impossible to reach San Bernardino CalFresh workers - any direct number or ways to bypass the queue?

Omg same!!!!! Been having this problem for monthssss. One time I called at exactly 8:00am when they opened and STILL got the maximum capacity message! Like how??? Try calling *right* at 1pm after their lunch break, sometimes works but not always.

Unfortunately the 'maximum capacity in queue' issue has been ongoing with San Bernardino County since they changed their phone system in late 2024. There's no secret direct number that bypasses the queue - they specifically eliminated direct lines to reduce what they call 'queue jumping.' Your options are: 1. You CAN go to the Ontario office without an appointment for urgent issues like benefits discontinuance, but be prepared to wait 3-4 hours. Bring all your verification documents, your recertification paperwork, and your EBT card. 2. Use the BenefitsCal website to upload any verification documents and check your case status. Sometimes they'll process these even when you can't reach them by phone. 3. Use the 'Contact My Worker' feature in the BenefitsCal portal to leave a message - they're required to respond within 2 business days.

this county is THE WORST!! i switched from riverside to san bernardino when i moved last year & now im thinking bout moving back just for better service lol. my caseworkers name is jennifer if u get her shes nice but good luck even finding ur worker name

Have you tried using Claimyr? I was having the exact same problem trying to reach San Bernardino County for my CalFresh recertification and was going crazy with that 'maximum capacity' message. I found this service called Claimyr that basically waits on hold for you and calls you back once they have an actual person on the line. It was seriously worth it after I wasted so many hours trying to get through myself. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 I was skeptical but it actually worked and I finally got my recertification sorted out. Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

You absolutely CAN go in without an appointment. I did this last month when facing the same issue. Here's what to know: 1) Go EARLY - like be in line at 7:15am even though they open at 8am. People start lining up around 7-7:30. 2) Bring EVERY document you might need - ID, social security cards for everyone, pay stubs, rent receipts, utility bills, etc. 3) When you check in, emphasize that your benefits are about to be discontinued. They have a priority system and discontinuance issues get higher priority. 4) Bring snacks and water and be prepared to wait 2-3 hours. I was able to meet with someone and get everything resolved the same day. It's frustrating but sometimes showing up is the only way to get help with this county.

I work for a different county office, so here's some inside perspective: the San Bernardino call system is set to accept only a certain number of callers at once. Once that queue is full, everyone else gets the 'maximum capacity' message. This isn't unique to San Bernardino - most counties are overwhelmed right now with the post-redetermination backlog. I recommend: 1. If your recertification is pending for verification, you have a 30-day grace period after the discontinuance date to provide the documents, and they'll restore benefits retroactively. So you do have some time. 2. Send a secure message through BenefitsCal AND upload any verification documents you think they might need. Take screenshots as proof. 3. If you go in person, use the self-service kiosks first - sometimes you can resolve verification issues without waiting for a caseworker. 4. Request a supervisor if you've made multiple attempts to contact them without success. Document all your call attempts (dates/times) to demonstrate you've been trying.

did u try calling rite at 8am??? thats when i got thru once but lady was super rude n barely helped me anyways lol

just go to the office!!! phone is useless!! bring a folding chair and phone charger tho lol

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare! San Bernardino County's phone system is absolutely broken. I've been trying for over a month to get through about my elderly mother's case and it's beyond frustrating. One thing that finally worked for me was calling the statewide CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663. They can't handle everything but they were able to see my mom's case status and actually contacted the local office on our behalf. It took about a week but someone finally called us back. Also, if you have a local community organization or food bank in your area, sometimes they have advocates who can help navigate the system. The San Bernardino County office seems to respond better to calls from advocacy groups than individual clients for some reason. Good luck - this system is beyond broken and I feel for everyone going through this stress!