DPSS delayed processing my SAR-7, now CalFresh benefits discontinued. How to reinstate?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my CalFresh benefits. I submitted my SAR-7 form back in January, but it looks like DPSS took forever to process it. Now my benefits have been discontinued even though I did everything right. Has anyone else dealt with this? I'm trying to figure out how to get my benefits reinstated ASAP. Any advice would be appreciated!
25 comments


Diego Chavez
Ugh, I feel your pain. The same thing happened to me last year. It's so frustrating when you do everything right and still get screwed over by the system. Have you tried calling them? Sometimes getting a real person on the phone can help sort things out faster.
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Chloe Robinson
•I've been trying to call, but the wait times are insane. I've been on hold for hours and still can't get through. It's driving me crazy!
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NeonNebula
•Pro tip: call right when they open in the morning. You might have better luck getting through then. Good luck!
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Anastasia Kozlov
•Or try calling right before they close. Sometimes that works too. The system is so broken tho 🤦♂️
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Sean Kelly
I found a way to actually 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
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Zara Mirza
•Wow, that sounds too good to be true. Does it really work? $20 seems steep but I guess it's worth it if you actually get through.
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Sean Kelly
•Yeah, it really does work. I was skeptical at first too, but I was desperate. It saved me hours of frustration and I got my issue resolved in one call.
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Luca Russo
•Idk man, sounds kinda sketchy. Has anyone else tried this?
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Nia Harris
•I've used it twice now. Totally legit. Saved my sanity lol
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GalaxyGazer
Here's what you need to do: 1. Gather all your documentation: SAR-7 form, any confirmation emails or letters, and your case number. 2. Write a clear, concise explanation of what happened, including dates. 3. Call DPSS and ask to speak with a supervisor. Be polite but firm. 4. If calling doesn't work, go to your local DPSS office in person. Sometimes face-to-face interactions get better results. 5. If all else fails, contact your local legal aid office. They often help with benefit issues for free. Remember, you have the right to request a fair hearing if you disagree with their decision. Don't give up!
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Chloe Robinson
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely follow these steps. Fingers crossed it works out 🤞
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Mateo Sanchez
•This is solid advice. I'd add: keep a log of all your calls and interactions. It can help if you need to escalate the issue later.
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Aisha Mahmood
man, the system is so broken. why do we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the help we need? its ridiculous
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Ethan Moore
Have you tried reaching out to your local representative? Sometimes they can help cut through the red tape. Worth a shot!
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Chloe Robinson
•I hadn't thought of that! Do you know how I would go about contacting them?
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Ethan Moore
•Just google your city or county + 'representative' and you should find their contact info. Usually they have a form on their website for constituent services. Good luck!
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Yuki Kobayashi
Oof, I'm in the same boat. Been dealing with this nonsense for months now. DPSS needs to get their act together fr 😤
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Carmen Vega
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they're playing games with our lives smh
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QuantumQuester
Hey, just a heads up - there's been a lot of system updates lately at DPSS. It's causing delays for everyone. Doesn't make it right, but at least you know it's not just you. Hang in there!
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Andre Moreau
Plot twist: what if we all showed up at the DPSS office at once? They couldn't ignore us then lol
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Zoe Stavros
•Lmao imagine the chaos 🤣 But for real, that might actually work...
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Jamal Harris
•I'm down if y'all are 👀
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Mei Chen
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.
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Ravi Gupta
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! 💪
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CosmicCrusader
•This is super helpful! I had no idea about the LA County Board of Supervisors complaint option - that sounds way more effective than sitting on hold for hours. Do you remember which specific category you filed under on their portal? And thanks for the tip about requesting expedited processing, I didn't know that was even a thing!
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