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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! 💪
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! 🙏
This is such a frustrating situation, and I'm really sorry you're going through this! I had a similar experience a few months back and it was so stressful. Here's what I learned from my ordeal: Call them RIGHT when they open at 8:00 AM sharp - I literally set my phone alarm for 7:58 AM to be ready. The first few minutes are crucial because that's when you have the best chance of getting through. When you finally connect, ask them to verify your phone number AND email in their system. In my case, they had my old phone number from before I moved, which is why I never got the call. This seems to be super common! 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 if there are any cancellations or earlier slots available. 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. Document absolutely 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. The whole system is honestly broken, but persistence really does pay off. Don't give up! You've got this! 💪
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! 🤞✨
I've been in your exact situation and it's such a pain! 😩 The long nails struggle is too real - I kept hitting like 3 buttons at once and locked myself out multiple times before I figured out a solution. Here's what worked for me: Call the EBT customer service line RIGHT at 8 AM when they open - I only waited about 20 minutes vs the 2+ hours when I called later in the day. Have your SSN, card number, and DOB ready because they'll need all that to verify your identity. Once confirmed, they unlock it instantly. But here's my game-changing tip - get yourself a pack of those little foam-tip makeup applicators (like the ones for eyeshadow) from the dollar store! They're perfect for hitting keys precisely and they're small enough to keep in your wallet. Way better than trying to use your nails on those tiny keypads. Also definitely ask them about setting up text balance alerts when you call - saves you from having to log in constantly and risk another lockout. The system is frustrating but the customer service folks deal with this issue constantly so they're usually pretty understanding. You got this girl! Let us know how the morning call goes! 💪
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
Fatima Al-Rashid
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.
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Dyllan Nantx
•@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!
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Brooklyn Foley
•@2d28c942809c @79870b9a257b I'm new to this community but wanted to share that I just went through my first DFACS interview with my 4-year-old last week! The whiteboard idea is genius - I wish I had thought of that. What worked really well for us was bringing a small juice box and some goldfish crackers. The caseworker actually commented on how well-prepared I was and said she appreciated that I brought quiet snacks since it helped keep my son content during the longer parts of our discussion. One thing I wasn't expecting was that the caseworker actually engaged with my son a little bit at the beginning - asked his name, complimented his shirt, etc. It seemed to put both him and me at ease, and then he was happy to sit and snack while we talked. The whole process was way less intimidating than I expected, especially after reading everyone's helpful tips here. This community has been such a great resource for navigating something that felt really overwhelming at first!
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