DPSS SNAP Recertification: How to Actually Reach a Human?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to recertify for SNAP benefits and I'm having trouble getting through to DPSS. Has anyone had any luck recently? I've been trying to call but keep getting stuck in the automated system. Any tips on how to reach a real person or which options to select? I'm getting frustrated and worried about my benefits lapsing.
26 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve SNAP recertification call difficulties, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvMfaYScbW4
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Grace Lee
Ugh, DPSS is the worst! I've been trying to get through for weeks. It's like they don't want us to actually get help. 🤬
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Mia Roberts
•For real tho! I swear they make it difficult on purpose. Like, do they want us to starve?
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The Boss
•Guys, lets not assume malice. The system is just overloaded. Still sucks tho 😕
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Grace Lee
•Overloaded or not, its there job to help us. They need to do better!
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Evan Kalinowski
I feel your pain, OP. I finally got through last week after trying for days. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call right when they open at 7:30 AM 2. Choose option 2 for existing cases 3. Then option 1 for recertification 4. If it says high call volume, hang up and try again It took me about 5 tries but I finally got in the queue. Good luck!
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William Rivera
•Thank you so much! I'll definitely try this tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed 🤞
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Victoria Charity
•This is solid advice. I'd add: have all your docs ready before you call. They'll ask for a bunch of info.
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Jasmine Quinn
Has anyone tried the online portal? I heard they updated it recently, but idk if it actually works for recertification.
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Oscar Murphy
•I tried it last month. It's better than before, but still glitchy. Ended up having to call anyway. 🙄
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Nora Bennett
•The online portal is a joke. It never works when you need it to. Save yourself the headache and just call.
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Ryan Andre
Pro tip: if you can't get through on the main line, try calling your local DPSS office directly. Sometimes they're less busy.
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Lauren Zeb
Guys, I found a method that actually works 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 explaining it: https://youtu.be/4RyuKFckT6k
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Daniel Washington
•Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Anyone else tried it?
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Aurora Lacasse
•$20 just to talk to someone? That's ridiculous. The system is so broken.
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Lauren Zeb
•I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.
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Anthony Young
•How does it work exactly? Do they just keep redialing until they get through?
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Lauren Zeb
•Yeah, basically. They have some tech that navigates the phone tree and waits on hold. When a real person picks up, it calls you. Pretty clever actually.
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Charlotte White
I'm in the same boat, OP. Been trying to recertify for 2 weeks now. This whole process is a joke. Why can't they just make it easier for people who need help? 😫
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Admin_Masters
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they forget we're real people with jobs and lives. Can't spend all day on hold.
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Matthew Sanchez
Has anyone tried going to the office in person? I'm thinking about just showing up tomorrow and refusing to leave until someone helps me.
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Ella Thompson
•I wouldn't recommend it. They barely let anyone inside since COVID. You'll just be standing outside all day.
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JacksonHarris
•Careful with that approach. My cousin tried that and almost got arrested for causing a scene. Not worth the risk.
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Jeremiah Brown
LPT: If you're having trouble recertifying, contact your local state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can help cut through the red tape.
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Royal_GM_Mark
•This! 👆 I did this last year and they sorted everything out in like 2 days. Wish I'd known about it sooner.
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Amelia Cartwright
Anyone else notice that the DPSS seems to be getting worse every year? I've been on SNAP for 5 years now and I swear it gets harder to deal with them each time. 😤
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