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I completely understand your frustration! This exact same thing happened to me a few weeks ago and I was so stressed trying to figure it out. The long nails problem is definitely something many of us can relate to! What worked for me was calling the EBT customer service line first thing in the morning around 8 AM - the wait time was only about 25-30 minutes compared to the horror stories I'd heard about afternoon calls taking hours. They'll need your SSN, card number, and some personal verification info, but once they confirm your identity they can unlock your account immediately. For the future, I highly recommend getting one of those little phone styluses or even using a pen cap to enter your PIN - it's been a total game changer for me! No more accidentally hitting multiple keys at once. You can find styluses at the dollar store for like $2 and they're worth every penny. Also, when you call tomorrow morning, ask them about setting up text or email alerts for your balance. That way you won't have to log in as frequently and can avoid potential lockouts in the future. The whole system is honestly frustrating and outdated, but don't worry - this happens to people all the time and the customer service folks are usually pretty understanding about it. You've got this! Let us know how the call goes! 💪
I've dealt with this same exact situation and it's so frustrating! 😅 The nail struggle is SO real - I swear I hit like 3 keys at once every time I try to enter my PIN! When this happened to me, I called the EBT customer service line and the wait was absolutely brutal (like 90 minutes), but they were really helpful once I got through. Make sure you have your SSN, card number, and date of birth ready because they'll need all that to verify it's really you. Once they confirm your identity, they can unlock your account pretty much instantly. Here's what I learned that's been a total lifesaver - I started keeping a small pen or even a paperclip in my wallet specifically for entering my PIN. No more fat-fingering the keypad! You could also try those little rubber-tip styluses from the dollar store. Pro tip: call right at 8 AM when they first open - the wait times are way shorter then. Also ask them about setting up text alerts for your balance so you don't have to log in as much and risk getting locked out again. The whole system is honestly trash but you're definitely not alone in this! Keep us posted on how it goes tomorrow! 🤞✨
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.
@2d28c942809c @fc329fc715f8 The interview rooms are typically private offices, so your 3-year-old will be with you during the discussion. Most caseworkers are really understanding about parents bringing children - they deal with this situation all the time! I'd suggest bringing a small bag with quiet toys, maybe some coloring books and crayons, or even a tablet with headphones if you have one. Snacks can be a lifesaver too, especially if you end up waiting longer than expected. Don't stress too much about keeping your toddler perfectly quiet - the caseworkers know that kids will be kids, and they'd rather have you bring your child than miss your appointment because you couldn't find childcare. Just do your best to keep them occupied, and most staff will be very patient and understanding. If your little one does get restless, don't be afraid to ask if you can take a quick break to let them walk around or get some water. The caseworkers want the interview to go well too, so they're usually willing to work with you to make it as smooth as possible for everyone involved!
@2d28c942809c @e44d2afe5238 I just had my DFACS interview last month with my 5-year-old in tow, and I can confirm that the caseworkers are incredibly understanding about kids being there! One thing that really helped was bringing a small whiteboard and some dry erase markers - it kept my daughter quietly drawing the whole time and didn't make any noise like crinkly snack bags or toys with sounds. Also, @2d28c942809c, don't worry about discussing financial information in front of your toddler. At 3 years old, they won't understand or remember the details you're sharing. The caseworker will likely speak in a normal conversational tone, so it's not like you're announcing sensitive information loudly. If you're still feeling anxious about it, you could always call ahead when you schedule and ask if they have any specific accommodations for parents with young children. Some offices might be able to schedule you during less busy times or with caseworkers who are especially good with families. Good luck with your interview!
Quick question - did you recently have any changes in income or household size? Sometimes that can trigger an automatic review and closure if they think you're no longer eligible.
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
Eleanor Foster
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! The exact same thing happened to me about 2 months ago and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what finally worked for me: Call them at exactly 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 ALL your contact information in their system - phone number, email, and address. Mine was completely wrong! Also ask if your original caseworker was out sick that day or if there were any system outages. Don't accept a reschedule that's weeks away - explain your urgent situation and push for something within the next few days. If you have all your documents organized and ready, ask if they can do the interview right then and there over the phone. Some caseworkers will do this just to clear their backlog faster. Document absolutely everything - names, times, reference numbers, what they tell you. The system is broken but persistence really does pay off! Also consider going to the office in person as a backup plan if calling doesn't work. Bring every document you have just in case they can squeeze you in. Don't give up - you've got this! 💪
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Malik Johnson
•This is incredibly detailed and helpful advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. The tip about setting an alarm for 7:58 AM to be ready at exactly 8:00 is something I keep seeing from people who've had success - clearly timing is everything with these phone systems! I hadn't thought about asking them to verify ALL contact info, not just the phone number. That's really smart since any wrong information could mess things up. The advice about not accepting a weeks-long reschedule and pushing for something sooner is exactly what I needed to hear - I tend to just accept whatever they offer instead of advocating for myself. Thanks for the encouragement and for laying out such a clear action plan. It really gives me confidence that I can get through this mess! 🙏
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Finnegan Gunn
This is such a common and frustrating issue! I went through something similar last year. Here's what I'd recommend: Call them first thing Monday morning right at 8 AM (seriously, be ready to dial at 7:59 AM). When you get through, ask them to verify your phone number in their system - that's often the problem! Also ask if your caseworker was out sick or if there were system issues that day. Don't let them reschedule you weeks out - explain your situation and ask about earlier cancellations. If you have all your documents ready, ask if they can do the interview right then over the phone. Some caseworkers will do this to clear their backlog. Document 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 out. You've got this! 💪
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Nia Davis
•This is really great advice! I especially appreciate the tip about being ready to dial at 7:59 AM - it seems like those first few minutes when they open are absolutely crucial. The point about verifying your phone number is so important too, since that seems to be a really common issue that people don't think to check first. I'm definitely going to try the approach of asking if they can do the interview immediately if I have my documents ready - that's such a smart way to potentially skip the whole rescheduling hassle. Thanks for sharing what worked for you and for the encouragement! 🙏
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