DPSS CalFresh: Tips for reaching a live agent? Frustrated with endless calls

I found a way to solve CalFresh contact issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtC6WWy92Cc

Ugh, I feel your pain. The system is so broken. I've been trying to get through for months now. It's ridiculous that we can't even access the services we need. 😤

Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through.

I swear, dealing with CalFresh is like trying to nail jello to a wall 🤣 Good luck, OP!

Serious question: has anyone actually gotten through recently? Like in the past month? Starting to think its impossible

Guys, I think I figured it out. We need to perform a ritual sacrifice to the CalFresh gods. Anyone have a spare goat? 🐐

Has anyone else noticed that the hold music is like, the worst ever? I swear they do it on purpose to make us hang up 🎵🤮

Pro tip: if you press 0 repeatedly during the automated message, sometimes it'll bump you to a real person faster. Doesn't always work, but worth a try!

Anyone else feel like they should get a PhD in 'Navigating Government Bureaucracy' after dealing with CalFresh? 🎓 Cuz I sure do!

have u tried the website? sometimes u can do stuff there without having to call

Here's what I've learned after dealing with CalFresh for years: 1. Persistence is key. Keep calling, even if it feels hopeless. 2. Try different times of day. Sometimes early morning works, other times late afternoon is better. 3. Use the online portal if possible. You can often update info there without calling. 4. If you must call, have all your info ready. They might ask for your case number, SSN, recent pay stubs, etc. 5. Be polite but firm with the agents. They're overworked too. 6. If you're really stuck, reach out to a local food bank or community organization. They often have direct lines to CalFresh. 7. Document everything. Write down who you talked to, when, and what they said. Remember, you're entitled to these benefits. Don't give up!

In response to the original post, if you're still struggling with getting in touch with CalFresh, consider reaching out to a legal aid organization that deals with public benefits. They often have insights into the system and can offer assistance with communicating effectively with agencies like CalFresh. Additionally, some community groups may have volunteers who provide guidance on navigating these types of benefits. While services like Claimyr offer a solution by connecting you directly with a live agent (albeit for a fee), it's also important to recognize the pros and cons - the cost may be prohibitive for some, but if you're in a time-sensitive situation, it could be a viable option. Balancing the convenience of such services with potential expenses is key. Remember that while navigating the system is challenging, persisting while utilizing all available resources can eventually yield results.

I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/4RyuKFckT6k

I feel like we need to start a support group for people trying to contact CalFresh. Who's in? 🙋‍♀️

This might sound crazy, but have you tried faxing them? I know it's 2023, but sometimes old school methods work when everything else fails.

Welcome to the club, buddy. I've been trying to reach them for weeks now. It's like they're playing hide and seek with us or something 🙄

I totally get your frustration! I've been in the same boat recently. What finally worked for me was calling right at 8:00 AM when they open, but instead of waiting through the whole automated menu, I pressed 0 multiple times during the greeting message. It took about 3 attempts over different days, but I eventually got through to someone who was actually helpful. Also, if you have a smartphone, try using the speakerphone and doing other things while you wait - makes the time pass faster. Don't give up! The system is definitely broken, but persistence does pay off eventually. Good luck! 🤞

I've been dealing with this nightmare for months now! What's worked for me is calling exactly at 8:00 AM and immediately pressing 0 about 15-20 times as soon as the automated message starts. Don't listen to the whole menu - just keep hitting 0. I also found that Wednesdays seem to have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. Another trick: if you get disconnected (which happens A LOT), call back immediately - sometimes you'll get a shorter queue. And honestly, set aside a whole morning for this. I've had to call 20+ times in a row before getting through. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to jump through these hoops for basic services, but don't give up! You've got this! 💪

Oh wow, reading through all these comments makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not alone in this struggle! 😅 I've been trying to reach CalFresh for over two weeks now and was starting to think I was doing something wrong. The tips about calling right at 8 AM and spamming the 0 button are definitely going on my list to try tomorrow. Has anyone had any luck with the online chat feature, or is that just as impossible to access as the phone lines? Also, @Mei Wong, your detailed advice is absolutely golden - I'm screenshotting that for reference! It's honestly ridiculous that we need a PhD in government bureaucracy just to get basic assistance, but I appreciate everyone sharing their war stories and strategies. We're all in this together! 💪

I've been lurking on this thread and wow, I had no idea so many people were dealing with the same CalFresh phone nightmare! 😭 I'm a single mom trying to get my benefits sorted out and I've literally taken time off work multiple times just to sit on hold for hours with no luck. The stress is unreal when you're already struggling financially and then can't even access the help that's supposed to be there for you. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM + pressing 0 strategy that everyone's mentioning - fingers crossed it works! It's honestly heartbreaking that we have to share "hacks" just to talk to someone about basic food assistance. Thank you all for making me feel less alone in this mess and for all the practical tips. This community support means everything when the actual system is failing us! 🙏

I completely feel your frustration! I've been dealing with the same CalFresh phone nightmare for about a month now. What's worked for me recently is calling exactly at 8:00 AM and immediately pressing 0 repeatedly (like 15-20 times) as soon as you hear any automated voice - don't even listen to the menu options. I also discovered that if you get the busy signal, hang up and redial immediately - sometimes you'll get through on the 2nd or 3rd try. Tuesday mornings seem to be slightly better than other days in my experience. I know it's exhausting having to become a phone system hacker just to access basic services, but don't give up! The system is definitely broken, but persistence does eventually pay off. Wishing you luck getting through! 🤞

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences and tips here! As someone who's been struggling with this exact same issue for the past few weeks, it's both comforting and frustrating to know this is such a widespread problem. I've tried calling at different times but hadn't thought about the 8 AM + spamming 0 strategy that so many of you have mentioned - definitely going to try that tomorrow morning! It's honestly mind-blowing that in 2024 we need to develop these elaborate phone system hacks just to access basic food assistance. The fact that multiple people have mentioned needing to take time off work or dedicate entire mornings to this is just heartbreaking. Thank you especially to @Mei Wong for that comprehensive list of strategies - that's going straight into my notes! Here's hoping we all get through eventually and that the system gets fixed for future people who need help. Stay strong everyone! 💪

Reading through all these comments has been both eye-opening and reassuring! I had no idea this was such a widespread issue. I've been trying to reach CalFresh for about two weeks now and was starting to feel like I was doing something fundamentally wrong. The 8 AM + spam the 0 button strategy that multiple people have mentioned sounds promising - I'm definitely going to try that tomorrow morning. It's honestly shocking that we need to develop these elaborate workarounds just to access basic food assistance in 2024. The fact that people are having to take time off work and dedicate entire days to this is just heartbreaking. Thank you especially to everyone who's shared their specific strategies and timing tips - this community support means everything when the actual system is failing us. I'm going to try the Tuesday morning approach along with the immediate redial technique if I get a busy signal. Fingers crossed we all get through eventually! 🤞

I've been following this thread and wow, I had no idea so many people were struggling with the same thing! I just moved to LA County and need to transfer my benefits, but after reading all these experiences, I'm already dreading the process. The 8 AM + spam 0 strategy sounds like it's worth trying - I'll definitely give that a shot this week. It's honestly mind-blowing that we need a whole tactical playbook just to reach someone about food assistance. Thank you to everyone who's shared their tips and experiences - knowing I'm not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare actually helps a lot! I'll report back if I have any success with the techniques mentioned here. Stay strong everyone! 🙏

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! 🤞