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I've been through this exact same situation and it's so stressful! The nail struggle is absolutely real 😭 I called the EBT customer service line when I got locked out and yes, the wait time was brutal (about 2 hours for me), but they were super helpful once I finally got through. They'll need your SSN, card number, and some personal info to verify your identity, then they can unlock your account right away. My biggest tip is to call RIGHT at 8 AM when they open - I learned this the hard way after sitting on hold forever the first time I called in the afternoon. For the future, I started using a small makeup brush handle to enter my PIN instead of my nails - it's thin enough to be precise but sturdy enough not to bend. You could also try a bobby pin or toothpick! I keep one in my wallet now specifically for this purpose. Also, once you get back in, definitely ask them about setting up balance alerts via text so you don't have to log in as often. The whole system is honestly outdated and frustrating, but you're definitely not alone in dealing with this! Good luck tomorrow morning! 🤞
The makeup brush handle is such a creative solution! 💡 I never would have thought of that but it makes perfect sense - it's probably the perfect thickness for accuracy without being too flimsy. I'm definitely trying that along with all the other stylus suggestions people have shared. The bobby pin and toothpick ideas are great backups too since I always have those around. It's so reassuring to hear from everyone that this is a common problem and not just me being clumsy with my nails! 😅 I'm setting my alarm for 7:45 AM tomorrow so I can call right when they open. Thanks for sharing your experience and all the helpful tips - this community is seriously incredible for practical advice like this! 🙏
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! 💪
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.
@84246b02122d @71c8eefc1a4d That's such a smart tip about doing a practice drive! I wish I had thought of that before my first visit - I ended up being 15 minutes late because I couldn't find parking and got turned around in the building. Speaking of the Georgia Gateway app, I also found it really helpful to screenshot or print out your confirmation emails and any reference numbers from your application. The staff can look up your case faster if you have those numbers handy, especially if there are any technical issues with their system that day. One more thing for anyone reading this - if you're bringing children to your interview, pack some quiet activities for them. The waiting areas can be pretty boring for kids, and having something to keep them occupied makes the whole experience less stressful for everyone. Some offices have a small play area, but it's always good to come prepared! This community is amazing - I've learned more practical tips from this thread than from all the official websites combined!
@fc329fc715f8 @84246b02122d That's such great advice about bringing activities for kids! I'm actually scheduling my first DFACS interview next week and have been worried about bringing my 3-year-old with me since I don't have childcare options. Does anyone know if the interview rooms are private, or will my toddler be sitting right there while I'm discussing personal financial information? I'm trying to figure out if I need to prepare him for staying quiet during important parts, or if there might be a separate waiting area where a staff member could keep an eye on him for a few minutes. Also, @84246b02122d, the Georgia Gateway app tip is brilliant! I just downloaded it and I'm amazed at how much I can actually do through there. It's definitely going to make me feel more prepared going into this process. Thank you all for making this feel so much less intimidating - this thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for anyone dealing with DFACS interviews in Georgia!
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
Ryder Everingham
This is so frustrating but unfortunately super common! I went through this exact same thing a few months ago. Here's what worked for me: Call them literally right when they open at 8 AM sharp - set your alarm for 7:58 and be ready to dial at exactly 8:00. When you get through, immediately ask them to verify your phone number in their system - that was my problem too, they had outdated contact info! Also ask if your caseworker was out that day or if there were any system glitches. Don't let them push you out weeks for a reschedule - explain your urgent situation and ask about any earlier cancellations. If you have all your documents ready, ask if they can just do the interview right then over the phone. Some caseworkers will do this to clear their queue faster. Write down everything - names, times, reference numbers. I know the system is completely broken and it's exhausting, but don't give up! You've got this! 💪
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Rajan Walker
•This is such solid advice! I love how you emphasize being so precise with the timing - that 7:58 AM alarm tip is genius. It's really encouraging to hear that so many people have had success with the early morning approach. The part about asking if they can do the interview immediately if you have documents ready is something I never would have thought of but makes perfect sense. Thanks for sharing what actually worked for you and for being so encouraging - it really helps to know that persistence pays off even when the system feels impossible! 🙏
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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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