I've been dealing with this same CalFresh phone nightmare for over a month now and honestly, reading through all these comments has been both incredibly validating and deeply frustrating. It's wild that we all have to become phone system hackers just to access basic food assistance! I've tried the 8 AM + spam 0 strategy that everyone keeps mentioning and it actually worked for me after about 4 days of attempts - persistence really is key. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here is to make sure you're calling from a landline or strong cell signal if possible, because I noticed I got disconnected less often that way. Also, if you do get through to someone, ask them for the best direct number or extension for future calls - sometimes they have internal numbers that bypass the main queue. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need a whole tactical playbook just to reach someone about benefits we're entitled to, but at least we're all figuring it out together! Don't give up everyone - the system is broken but we're stronger than their terrible phone system! 💪

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been trying to reach CalFresh for about 10 days now and was starting to think I was losing my mind. Reading everyone's experiences here is both comforting (I'm not alone!) and infuriating (this system is clearly broken for EVERYONE). The 8 AM + spam the 0 button strategy that literally every successful person has mentioned is definitely going on my to-do list for tomorrow morning. I've been calling at random times and getting nowhere, so having an actual game plan based on what's worked for others gives me hope. It's honestly tragic that we need to treat accessing basic food assistance like cracking some kind of secret code, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing their battle-tested strategies. Special shoutout to @Mei Wong for that incredibly detailed guide - I'm bookmarking this entire thread! Here's hoping we all get through eventually and can help the next wave of people dealing with this bureaucratic nightmare. Stay strong everyone! 🤞

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! 💪

OMG thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and tips! 🙏 I've been reading through all the comments and taking notes. I'm going to try the 7:30 AM sharp strategy tomorrow with the exact menu sequence that @Javier Mendoza shared, and I'll definitely have all my documents ready beforehand like @Evelyn Rivera suggested. It's such a relief to know about the 10-day extension rule too - that takes so much pressure off! I also just downloaded the GetHuman app that @Dylan Cooper mentioned. It's crazy that we have to become experts at navigating phone systems just to get basic assistance, but at least now I feel like I have a real plan. Will update you all on how it goes! Fingers crossed 🤞

I just wanted to chime in with another tip that helped me get through to DPSS last week! If you're calling and getting the busy signal or "high call volume" message, try calling from a different phone number - sometimes they have limits on how many times the same number can call in a short period. I used my work phone after my cell kept getting rejected, and it went through immediately. Also, I noticed that if you call right after lunch time (around 1:30 PM), there's sometimes a sweet spot when call volume drops briefly. I know everyone's saying early morning works best, but this afternoon window might be worth trying if you can't make those 7:30 AM calls. Just another option to add to the toolkit! Good luck everyone! 🍀

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 work at a local community organization that helps people navigate DPSS services, and I can confirm what others have said about the system delays this week. A few things that might help: 1) You can check your case status online through the DPSS portal - sometimes payments show as "processed" there before they hit your account, 2) For the homeless housing assistance, make sure you've submitted your final documentation to your caseworker - those payments usually take 5-10 business days after everything is complete, and 3) If you're staying in hotels, ask if they participate in the county's direct pay program - that way DPSS can pay them directly instead of reimbursing you. Hang in there, these delays are temporary but I know how stressful they can be when you're depending on the funds.

I've been in a similar situation with CalWORKs payments before, and it's incredibly stressful when you're counting on that money. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through the EDD/DPSS system - they'll send you notifications when payments are processed or if there are any issues with your case. Also, if you have a smartphone, the MyBenefits CalWIN app can sometimes show payment status updates faster than calling. For your homeless housing assistance, definitely keep all your hotel receipts organized in a folder or envelope - I learned the hard way that they might ask for them weeks later. The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there. Most of these system delays get resolved within a few days, even though it feels like forever when you need the funds. Sending you positive vibes that everything gets sorted out quickly! 💙