Need Kern County CalFresh direct number - keep getting disconnected from 800 line

same thing happened to me last month lol kern county is the WORST

I believe the direct line for Kern County CalFresh is 661-631-6062. They changed some of their direct numbers recently so this might not be current, but it worked for me about a month ago when I needed to report an income change. If that doesn't work, try calling right when they open at 8:00am. That's usually when the wait times are shortest.

have u tried the benefitscal website to upload ur verification docs?? sometimes u dont even need to talk to anyone if u just upload the stuff they need

I had the EXACT same problem with Kern County last month! I was trying to update my semi-annual report (SAR7) and kept getting disconnected. So frustrating! I finally found a direct email for my caseworker on an old letter and that worked, but took like 4 days to get a response. Check any paperwork you have, sometimes the worker contact info is buried in there!

I know your frustration with trying to reach someone at CalFresh! I was in the same situation trying to reach Kern County for weeks about my recertification. I finally discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to a person in less than 10 minutes. They basically call and wait on hold for you, then connect you when a real person picks up. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or website claimyr.com. Completely worth it when you're facing benefit termination!

The direct customer service line for Kern County Department of Human Services (which handles CalFresh) is 661-631-6000. From there you can ask to be transferred to the CalFresh unit. You may still need to wait, but it's more direct than the 800 number which serves multiple counties. Also, if you're facing a verification deadline, you have rights to request a reasonable extension if you've been attempting to contact them. Document all your call attempts (dates/times) as evidence you've been trying to comply. The county must provide 'good cause' extensions when their own systems create barriers to compliance.

btw did u try the Kern County app? sometimes u can message ur worker thru there too. not as good as talking 2 someone but better than nothing

UPDATE: I just confirmed the current direct line for Kern County CalFresh is 661-631-6062. I called myself to verify before posting this. Press option 4 to speak to an eligibility worker about your case. Still had to wait about 15 minutes, but at least it didn't disconnect me. If your verification deadline is this Friday, make sure to mention that immediately when you get through. They're required to process emergency requests for clients at risk of benefit termination. Good luck!

UPDATE: Success! I finally got through using the 661-631-6062 number and pressing 4 like @profile2 suggested. Waited about 25 minutes but actually spoke to a real person! They accepted my explanation about the deposits being gifts from family, not income. The worker even gave me her direct extension for future reference. My verification is complete and my benefits should continue normally next month. Thank you everyone for your help! This community is amazing.