I've been dealing with this exact same nightmare for the past month! What finally worked for me was calling right at 8:00 AM sharp and immediately hitting 0 about 20 times as soon as I heard any automated voice - don't even wait for the menu to finish. I also discovered that if you get disconnected (which happens constantly), call back within 30 seconds because sometimes you'll get a better spot in the queue. Wednesday mornings around 8:15 AM have been my sweet spot for actually getting through. I know it's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become phone system experts just to access basic food assistance, but don't lose hope! I finally got through last week after weeks of trying and was able to update everything I needed. The whole system is broken, but persistence really does pay off eventually. Hang in there! 💪

I've been lurking on this thread for a while and finally decided to create an account because this whole CalFresh phone situation has been driving me absolutely crazy! 😤 I'm a recent college grad who just started needing benefits for the first time, and I had no idea what I was getting into. After reading everyone's experiences, I feel so much better knowing it's not just me! The 8 AM + spam 0 strategy that literally everyone is recommending sounds like my best bet - I'm going to set my alarm extra early tomorrow and give it a shot. It's honestly insane that in 2024 we need to treat calling a government office like some kind of strategic military operation, but here we are! Thank you all for sharing your hard-won wisdom - this community support is everything when the actual system is completely failing us. I'll definitely report back if I manage to break through the phone fortress! 🤞

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone, try downloading the "GetHuman" app. It has shortcuts for DPSS and other government agencies that can help you navigate their phone systems faster. It's free and shows you exactly which buttons to press and when to press them. Also, if you're really desperate, some local community centers and food banks have advocates who can help you navigate DPSS - they sometimes have direct lines or know caseworkers personally. Don't be afraid to ask for help from local organizations too! Hope this helps someone 🤞

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 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! 💙

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!

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!