Pregnant and can't get past CalFresh voice password system to talk to worker

That voice password system is a NIGHTMARE!!! I got locked out of mine 3 times last month. Try pressing 0 about five times in a row when it starts asking for the voice password. Sometimes that forces it to an operator. But honestly the whole system is designed to keep us from getting help. I waited 2 HOURS last Thursday only to get disconnected when someone finally picked up.

Thank you! I'll try the zero trick tomorrow. Did you eventually get through to someone? I'm getting really stressed about this.

omg i had this same issue!! the robo-voice thing kept saying

This system has been problematic since they implemented it in January. The voice recognition software struggles with background noise and certain accents. Try calling from a quiet location and speaking slowly and clearly. Also, make sure you're using the same phone number you have listed in your CalFresh account.

I work as an eligibility specialist (not for CalFresh directly but another benefit program). The \

Thanks for this info! I checked the messages and there's nothing specific, just a general \

I had a similiar problem with calfresh last year but it was cause my Semi-Annual Report was due and I didnt send it in time. Check if your SAR7 was due recently?? They stop benefits if you dont turn that in.

I don't think it's my SAR7 because I just submitted that in January and got the confirmation that it was received. But maybe I should re-check my reporting periods just to be sure.

I finally found a service called Claimyr that solved this exact problem for me! I was 9 months pregnant and dealing with the same issue when my sister told me about it. You go to claimyr.com and they actually wait on hold with CalFresh for you and call you back when they have a live person on the line. Saved me literally hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nIt was seriously a lifesaver when I was too exhausted from pregnancy to deal with being on hold forever.

omg that sounds amazing!!! i hate waiting on hold with calfresh its like they want u to give up

Hmm, does it cost money? Seems weird to pay just to talk to a government office we should be able to reach normally. But at this point I'd almost pay anything to not deal with that voice system again!

Based on what you're describing, there might be a few things happening simultaneously:\n\n1. The \

Thank you! I'll definitely re-upload my pregnancy verification and send a secure message tonight. My income hasn't changed at all so it shouldn't be an IRT issue. I didn't know pregnancy qualified me for expedited service though - that's really helpful to know.

I just went thru this whole thing last week!!! What worked 4 me was sending a message on BenefitsCal AND emailing my county office (find the email on the Calfresh website for your county). I put \

That's a great idea with the email subject line. I'm going to try that right now. So glad to hear they called you back quickly!

I wanted to follow up on my earlier comment. Another option is to contact your county's CalFresh ombudsperson. Each county has one, and they specifically handle cases where people are having trouble with access or communication. You can find their contact info on your county's social services website. Given your pregnancy, they should prioritize your case.\n\nAlso, be sure to mention you're pregnant in all communications - this automatically qualifies you for expedited service under CalFresh regulations (7 CFR 273.2(i)(1)).

Thank you so much. I didn't know about the ombudsperson option! I'll look that up right now. I really appreciate everyone's help with this.

One more thing to try: check if your county has implemented the text-to-chat feature for CalFresh. Several California counties added this in late 2024 as an alternative to phone calls. You text a specific number (usually listed on your county's social services website) and can communicate with a representative that way. Much more efficient than waiting on hold, especially for simple verification issues.\n\nAlso, pregnant women qualify for WIC in addition to CalFresh. If you haven't applied for WIC yet, I'd recommend doing so right away as it provides specific nutritional support for pregnant women.

I'm actually already on WIC which has been helpful, but the CalFresh benefits are really important too since WIC only covers certain foods. I'll check for the text-to-chat option - that would be so much easier! Thanks for all your help.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress while pregnant! I had a similar issue a few months ago where my benefits just stopped without warning. What finally worked for me was going to the office first thing in the morning (like 8 AM when they open) - the wait was much shorter and I could actually speak to someone face-to-face. I know you mentioned not being able to take time off work, but maybe if you could arrange to go in late one morning? Also, bring ALL your documents with you - even ones you think they already have. The worker told me their system sometimes "loses" uploaded documents and having physical copies speeds everything up. Since you're pregnant, they should see you as a priority case too. Hang in there - this system is so frustrating but you'll get it sorted out!

I went through something very similar when I was pregnant with my second child! The voice system is absolutely terrible - I think it's designed to discourage people from calling. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Try calling right at 8 AM when they open - the voice system seems to work better in the morning and there are fewer people calling 2. Make sure you're in a completely quiet room and speak very slowly and clearly when it asks for verification 3. If you have any accent or speech pattern that might confuse the system, try having someone else call on your behalf (like a partner or family member listed on your case) For your immediate situation, definitely send that secure message through BenefitsCal mentioning you're pregnant - they're required to treat pregnant women as emergency cases. Also, many counties have a "pregnant women's hotline" specifically for CalFresh issues. Try googling "[your county name] CalFresh pregnant women emergency contact." Don't give up! Your baby needs those benefits and you have every right to access them. This system is broken but there are ways around it. Sending you lots of support during this stressful time! 💪