I'm so sorry this happened to you - it's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about needing assistance! This exact same thing happened to me a few months ago. Here's what I learned: Call them RIGHT when they open at 8 AM (seriously, have your phone ready at 7:59). First thing to ask is for them to verify your phone number in their system - they had my old number on file! 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 you're in urgent need and ask about 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! Going to the office in person might actually be faster than the phone maze if you can swing it. Bring all your paperwork just in case. You've got this! 💪

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you get through, immediately ask them to verify your phone number in their system - that was my problem too, they had outdated contact info!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! 💪

Oh girl, I totally understand this frustration! 😤 I actually went through the EXACT same thing about 6 months ago - those long nails are a blessing and a curse, right? I kept fat-fingering the keypad and locked myself out twice in one week! Here's what saved me: I called the customer service line at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened and only waited about 20 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour nightmare. Have your SSN, card number, and date of birth ready because they'll need all of that to verify your identity. Once they confirm it's you, they can unlock your account instantly. But here's my GAME CHANGER tip that I wish someone had told me sooner - I bought a pack of those rubber-tip phone styluses from the dollar store (literally $2) and now I keep one in my purse at all times. No more accidentally hitting three keys at once! You could also use a pen cap or even the tip of a house key in a pinch. Also, when you call tomorrow, 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 honestly trash, but at least the customer service folks are usually pretty understanding about this specific issue since it happens ALL the time. You got this, mama! Let us know how the call goes! 💪✨

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! 🤞

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.

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.

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 🙄

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

Have you guys seen that new meme about EBT hold times? It's like "Time you spend on hold with EBT" and it's just a picture of a skeleton 💀 Too real man, too real