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I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I've been locked out of my EBT account before too and it's incredibly stressful, especially when you need to access your benefits. Here's what worked for me: Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card first thing in the morning around 8 AM - the wait times are much shorter then! When I called in the afternoon, I was on hold for over 2 hours, but calling right when they opened only took about 30 minutes. They'll ask for your Social Security number, card number, and some personal verification questions to confirm your identity. Once verified, they can unlock your account immediately. For future reference with the long nails issue - I totally get it! I started using a bobby pin or the eraser end of a pencil to enter my PIN instead of my nails. It's way more precise and I haven't gotten locked out since. You could also grab one of those rubber-tip styluses from the dollar store for like $2. Also, when you call tomorrow morning, ask them about setting up text alerts for your balance - that way you won't have to log in as often and risk another lockout. The whole system is frustrating but you're definitely not alone in this struggle! Good luck and let us know how it goes! 🤞
Girl, I feel your pain with those long nails! 💅 I've been locked out before too and it's so stressful. Everyone's advice about calling at 8 AM is spot on - I did that and only waited about 30 minutes instead of hours. They'll need your SSN and card number to verify your identity, then they can unlock it right away. One thing that's been a lifesaver for me - I keep a small stylus pen in my purse now specifically for entering PINs. You can get them at any dollar store for like $2 and it prevents the whole multiple-keys-at-once disaster. Also ask them about text balance alerts when you call so you won't have to log in as much! The system is definitely frustrating but this happens to SO many people. You're not alone and you'll get through this! 🙏
Getting your DFACS interview rescheduled in Georgia is usually straightforward. You can call the DFACS office where your interview was scheduled and explain that you need to reschedule. Have your case number ready if you have one. You can also visit your local DFACS office in person to reschedule. If you applied online through Georgia Gateway, you might be able to request a reschedule through the portal. It's best to contact them as soon as possible, especially if you missed an interview, as delays could affect your benefits. When you call, be prepared with some alternative dates and times that work for your schedule. If you're having trouble reaching someone by phone (which happens often), try emailing your caseworker directly if you have their contact information, or consider visiting the office in person during less busy hours, typically early morning.
@ae0b5783578a @b310379a6a43 Great question about timing! From my experience, DFACS interviews typically take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on how complex your situation is and how busy the office is that day. With twin 2-year-olds, I'd definitely plan for the longer end of that range and maybe bring extra supplies! Pack more snacks and activities than you think you'll need. I've found that having a backup plan helps - like saving a special new coloring book or small toy as a "surprise" if they get restless toward the end. One thing that might help with twins is bringing two of everything - two cups, two sets of crayons, etc. It prevents the "I want what my sibling has" meltdowns that can happen in stressful situations. Also consider scheduling your interview right after their usual nap time when they're likely to be in better moods. Most DFACS offices are pretty flexible with scheduling if you explain you have young twins and need a time that works best for managing them. You've got this! The fact that you're planning ahead shows you're going to do great at the interview.
@fc4a81411ef2 @ae0b5783578a This is such wonderful advice about planning for twins! I'm actually a new member here and just wanted to say how grateful I am for this entire thread. I'm scheduled for my first DFACS interview next week and was honestly pretty nervous about the whole process, but reading everyone's real experiences and practical tips has made me feel so much more prepared and confident. The idea about scheduling after nap time is brilliant - I have a 3-year-old and know how much their mood can affect everything! Also, bringing backup activities and the "surprise" toy idea is definitely going in my notes. It's amazing how this community has turned what seemed like a really daunting government process into something that feels totally manageable. Thank you all for being so welcoming and helpful to newcomers like me who are just trying to figure this all out!
Pro tip: If you can't get through on the phone, try going to your local DFCS office in person. Sometimes face-to-face is the only way to get things done with these bureaucrats 🙄
This is so frustrating! I had a similar issue a few months back where my case was closed without any warning. Here's what worked for me: call the customer service line first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) - that's when you're most likely to get through. Also, ask specifically about filing a "good cause" appeal if they closed your case without proper notice. You have the right to an interview before they can close your benefits! Document everything and don't let them brush you off. Stay strong! 💪
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/nZambXh8Woc
Andre Lefebvre
This is so frustrating and you're definitely not alone! I went through the exact same thing a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: Call them literally right at 8:00 AM when they open - set your alarm for 7:58 AM and be ready to dial. First thing when you get through, ask them to verify your phone number in their system. That was my problem - they had my old number! Also ask if your caseworker was out sick that day or if there were system issues. Don't let them reschedule you weeks out - explain you need assistance urgently and ask about any earlier cancellations. If you have all your documents ready, ask if they can do the interview right then over the phone. Some will do this to clear their backlog. Write down everything - names, times, reference numbers. The system is broken but don't give up! Also consider going to the office in person if calling doesn't work. You've got this! 💪
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Joy Olmedo
•This is such helpful and detailed advice! I really appreciate you sharing your experience. The tip about setting an alarm for 7:58 AM to be ready right at 8:00 is something I keep seeing from everyone who's had success - clearly those first few minutes are absolutely critical. It's such a relief to know that having an old phone number on file is so common, because I was starting to think I did something wrong. I'm definitely going to be more assertive about not accepting a reschedule that's weeks away too. The idea of asking if they can do the interview immediately if I have my documents ready is genius - worth a shot even if they say no! Thanks for taking the time to write out such a clear action plan and for the encouragement. It really helps to know that others have successfully gotten through this mess! 🙏
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Omar Farouk
This is such a frustrating situation and unfortunately way too common with GA DFCS! I went through something similar last year and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what I'd recommend based on my experience: First, call them RIGHT when they open at 8:00 AM sharp - literally set your alarm for 7:58 AM and be ready to dial at exactly 8:00. Those first few minutes are absolutely crucial for getting through. When you finally connect, immediately ask them to verify your phone number AND email in their system. This was my exact problem - they had my old phone number from when I moved! This seems to happen to a lot of people. Don't just accept whatever reschedule date they offer, especially if it's weeks away. Politely but firmly explain that you're in urgent need and ask about any earlier cancellations or openings. If you have all your documents organized and ready, ask if they can just do the interview right then and there over the phone. Some caseworkers will do this to clear their backlog faster - worth a shot! Document EVERYTHING - the caseworker's name, time of your call, any reference numbers they give you. This has saved me multiple times when dealing with their system. If calling doesn't work out, definitely consider going to the office in person as a backup plan. Bring all your paperwork just in case they can squeeze you in on the spot. The whole system is honestly broken, but persistence really does pay off. Don't give up - you've got this! 💪
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