PSA: Always keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit to DPSS. I learned this the hard way. Now I have a whole file cabinet just for benefit paperwork 📁😅

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the DPSS customer service line first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) and kept pressing 0 to get to a live person. When I finally got through, I asked to speak to a supervisor and explained that my benefits were wrongfully discontinued due to their processing delays. The supervisor was able to expedite my case and I got my benefits restored within a week. Also, make sure you mention that you submitted your SAR-7 on time - they have to restore benefits retroactively if it was their fault for the delay. Don't let them brush you off! You got this! 💪

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! 💪

I've been trying to reach CalFresh for about two weeks now and this thread is honestly a lifesaver! 😅 Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not the only one dealing with this phone system nightmare. The 8 AM + spam the 0 button strategy that literally everyone successful is recommending sounds like my best bet - I've been calling at random times throughout the day with absolutely zero luck. It's honestly insane that in 2024 we need to develop elaborate phone hacking techniques just to access basic food assistance we're entitled to, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing their battle-tested wisdom! @Mei Wong your comprehensive guide is absolutely gold - I'm definitely saving that for reference. The persistence stories give me hope that it's actually possible to get through eventually, even when it feels impossible. Setting my alarm extra early tomorrow morning to give the proven 8 AM method a proper try. Thank you all for making me feel less alone in this bureaucratic maze - we really shouldn't have to fight this hard for basic services, but at least we're fighting together! I'll definitely report back if I manage to break through! 💪

Anyone else feel like theyre playing calvinball with these rules? Swear they change em every other week 🤡

@Edison Estevez I just went through recertification about 2 months ago and it was actually smoother than I expected! The key thing that helped me was organizing everything beforehand. I made a checklist and gathered docs in advance. Also, if you're having trouble reaching them by phone, try calling right when they open at 8am - that's when I had the most luck getting through. Don't stress too much, you got this! 💪

Have you tried reaching out on social media? Sometimes tweeting at the official EBT account can get their attention faster than calling.

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! My card was working fine last week and then suddenly nothing. Can't buy groceries, can't get through on the phone - it's beyond frustrating. I tried the online portal but it just keeps showing "system error." Really hoping someone here has found a solution because I'm running out of options fast. This shouldn't be this hard when people are depending on these benefits to eat! 😤

Has anyone else noticed that the DPSS website is always down for maintenance when you actually need to use it? It's like they know exactly when I'm free to do this stuff 🙄

I just went through this process last week! @Emma Thompson's steps are spot on, but I'll add one more tip - if you're having trouble finding the YBN portal, try clearing your browser cache first. I was pulling my hair out trying to access it until I did that. Also, make sure you're using a desktop/laptop instead of mobile - the mobile version is pretty glitchy. The whole process took me about 45 minutes once I had all my documents ready. Good luck!