This whole benefits system is a joke. Always some kinda problem 🙄

I had this exact same issue a few months ago! What worked for me was going to a grocery store and doing a cash back transaction instead of using an ATM. For some reason, the point-of-sale systems work even when the ATM network is having problems. You can buy something small like gum and get cash back - saved me when I really needed access to my benefits. Hope this helps until you can get through to customer service!

I'm going through the exact same struggle right now! Been trying to get through for my recertification for over a week. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about so many of these strategies! I'm definitely going to try the 7:30 AM sharp approach with the specific menu sequence, and I love the tip about saying "representative" to the voice system. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole playbook just to talk to someone about basic food assistance, but I'm so grateful everyone is sharing what actually works. The stress of potentially losing benefits while fighting with their phone system is real. Going to arm myself with coffee, all my documents, and multiple phone numbers tomorrow morning. Thanks everyone for turning this frustrating situation into a community effort! 💪

Just wanted to add my experience to this thread - I finally got through yesterday after using a combination of everyone's tips! I called at 7:30 AM sharp, used the menu sequence that @Javier Mendoza shared (1 for English, 3 for CalFresh, 2 for existing benefits), and said "representative" clearly when prompted. The wait was still about 90 minutes, but I got through! One thing I'd add is to make sure you have a phone charger nearby - mine almost died during the hold time. Also, the caseworker told me they're seeing a huge surge in recertification calls right now due to some system updates, so everyone's experiencing these delays. She mentioned that calling on Wednesdays tends to be slightly less busy than other weekdays. Don't give up everyone - the system is broken but there are real people trying to help on the other end! 🙏

Hey there! I'm pretty new to navigating all this stuff, but I wanted to share what happened to me last week. My CalWORKs payment was delayed by 3 days and I was freaking out because I needed it for rent. I ended up going to the DPSS office in person (on Wilshire Blvd) and they were actually really helpful - way better than trying to get through on the phone. The lady there told me that when there are system issues, sometimes visiting in person can help them manually check your case status and even expedite things if needed. I know it's a pain to travel there, especially if you don't have reliable transportation, but it might be worth it if the phone lines aren't working out. Also, bring your ID and any paperwork you have - they can pull up your whole case file right there. Hope your payment comes through soon! 🤞

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! My CalWORKs payment was supposed to come yesterday and I'm still waiting. It's so nerve-wracking when you're depending on it. I called early this morning and finally got through - the rep confirmed there are system-wide delays affecting a lot of people this week. She said they're prioritizing getting payments out by end of week but couldn't give me an exact date. For what it's worth, she also mentioned that sometimes the payments get loaded onto your EBT card instead of direct deposit when there are system issues, so definitely check that too. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both of us that everything gets sorted out soon. This whole situation is so stressful when you're already dealing with housing instability. Hang in there! 💪

I've been lurking on this thread for a while and finally decided to join because this whole CalFresh phone situation has been driving me absolutely insane! 😩 I'm a working parent trying to get my case updated and I've literally used up all my lunch breaks this month sitting on hold with no success. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much less alone - I honestly thought maybe I was just terrible at this! The 8 AM + spam 0 strategy that literally EVERYONE successful is recommending sounds like my best shot, so I'm setting multiple alarms tomorrow morning to give it a proper try. It's honestly heartbreaking that we need to treat accessing basic food assistance like some kind of strategic military operation, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing their battle-tested wisdom. @Mei Wong your detailed guide is absolutely gold - I'm screenshotting it for reference! The fact that we have to develop elaborate phone hacks just to reach someone about benefits we're entitled to is completely ridiculous, but at least we're all figuring it out together. I'll definitely report back if I manage to crack the code! Stay strong everyone - we shouldn't have to fight this hard, but we're stronger than their broken system! 💪

I've been struggling with this exact same issue for the past month and honestly, this thread has been a lifesaver! 🙏 I had no idea so many people were dealing with the CalFresh phone nightmare. The 8 AM + spam 0 strategy that literally everyone successful is mentioning sounds like exactly what I need to try - I've been calling at random times with zero luck. It's absolutely mind-blowing that we need to become phone system experts just to access basic food assistance we're entitled to, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing their battle-tested techniques. @Mei Wong your comprehensive guide is incredible - I'm bookmarking this whole thread! The persistence stories give me hope that it's actually possible to get through eventually. Setting my alarm early tomorrow to give the proven 8 AM method a shot. Thank you everyone for making me feel less crazy about this bureaucratic maze! I'll definitely report back if I manage to crack the code. We've got this! 💪

This happened to my cousin last month. She ended up having to reapply completely. It sucks, but sometimes starting over is faster than trying to fix the old application. Might be worth considering if nothing else works.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The key is persistence and documentation. Here's what finally worked for me: I filed a complaint with the LA County Board of Supervisors through their online portal. Within 48 hours, someone from DPSS called me directly and fast-tracked my case. Also, make sure to request expedited processing since you're already experiencing a gap in benefits - they're supposed to prioritize cases where people have been wrongfully cut off. Keep copies of EVERYTHING and don't be afraid to escalate. You got this! 💪