pro tip: if u get denied, appeal! i got denied first time but won my appeal. dont give up!

Hey Natasha! I just went through this process a few months ago. One thing that really helped me was practicing explaining my situation out loud beforehand - it made me way less nervous during the actual call. Also, have a glass of water nearby because talking for 30-45 minutes straight can make your mouth dry! The caseworkers are generally pretty understanding, so try not to stress too much. You've got this! 💪

This might sound crazy, but have you tried reaching out on social media? Some agencies actually respond pretty quick on Twitter or Facebook. Worth a shot! 🤷‍♂️

I had the exact same thing happen to me last month! So frustrating. What finally worked for me was calling the main number, but when they asked for my case number, I pressed 0 instead to get transferred to a human operator. Then I explained that I got disconnected during my renewal interview and asked them to put a note in my file about it. They were actually able to schedule me for a callback appointment instead of making me wait on hold again. Also, make sure you have all your documents ready and your phone fully charged before the next attempt - learned that the hard way! 📞

As a newcomer to this community, I'm relieved to see you got this resolved, Charlee! But honestly, a "system glitch" that marks interviews as completed when they never happened? That's a massive failure that could have denied you essential food assistance through no fault of your own. Reading through everyone's responses has been incredibly enlightening - there's so much practical wisdom here! From Theodore's comprehensive action plan to the suggestions about optimal calling times, social media outreach, and thorough documentation. It's amazing how this community rallies together with real solutions when someone hits these bureaucratic roadblocks. What frustrates me most is that people shouldn't have to become experts at navigating broken systems just to access basic services they're entitled to. But I'm impressed by the support and knowledge-sharing I'm seeing here - it really makes a difference when dealing with these administrative nightmares. For your rescheduled interview next week, definitely get written confirmation and maybe call the day before to double-check. It's sad we have to take these extra precautions, but your persistence really shows others not to give up when the system fails them. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's going to help so many people who face similar issues! Best of luck! 🤞

As someone new to this community, I'm so relieved you finally got this sorted out, Charlee! A "system glitch" that automatically marks interviews as completed when they never happened? That's not just a minor technical issue - that's a serious failure that could have cost you your food assistance benefits through absolutely no fault of your own. What really strikes me reading through all these responses is the incredible depth of practical knowledge everyone has shared. From Theodore's comprehensive step-by-step action plan to all the strategic advice about optimal calling times, social media outreach, and the critical importance of documenting everything - this community clearly knows how to navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. It's honestly frustrating that people have to become experts at working around broken government systems just to access basic services they're legally entitled to. But I'm genuinely impressed by how everyone rallied together with real, actionable solutions when you hit this roadblock. For your rescheduled interview next week, definitely get that confirmation in writing if at all possible, and maybe call the day before to triple-check everything is still on track. It's unfortunate we have to take these extra precautions, but your persistence in not giving up really shows others facing similar issues that it's worth fighting for what you're entitled to. Thanks for sharing both your struggle and the resolution - this thread is going to be incredibly helpful for anyone else who encounters these kinds of system failures. Wishing you the best of luck with your interview! 🤞

Ugh, the SNAP office is the worst. I swear they're understaffed on purpose. Have you tried emailing them? Sometimes that works better than calling.

Hey Anastasia! I totally feel your frustration - I went through the exact same thing when I had my daughter. One thing that worked for me was calling around lunchtime (11:30am-12:30pm) when there might be less call volume. Also, try pressing different menu options - sometimes the "general information" line has shorter wait times and they can transfer you to the right department. If you haven't already, make sure you have your case number ready and all your documents organized before calling. It sounds silly, but I also found that calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays worked better than Mondays or Fridays. Hang in there mama, you've got this! 💪👶

Quick question - does anyone know if they're still doing interviews over the phone because of COVID, or are they back to in-person?

Hey Mei! I went through this process about 6 months ago and it was actually pretty straightforward. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - bring multiple copies of everything! They sometimes need to keep documents or make copies, and having extras saved me a trip back. Also, if you're nervous, you can always ask to reschedule if you need more time to gather documents. The caseworkers are usually understanding. You've got this! 💪