I've been lurking in this thread for a while and finally decided to jump in because I'm dealing with this exact same issue! Been trying to get my SNAP interview scheduled for over a week now and it's beyond frustrating. All these tips everyone has shared are incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the 7:55 AM queue strategy or using different phone numbers. It's honestly shameful that accessing basic assistance requires this level of tactical planning, but I'm so grateful for this community sharing real solutions that actually work. I'm definitely going to try the early morning approach tomorrow combined with the mid-week timing that so many people have had success with. Oliver, thanks for starting this thread - it's become an incredible resource! And to everyone who's shared their experiences and strategies, you're literally helping strangers navigate one of the most broken systems out there. The fact that people get approved quickly once they finally get past the phone barrier gives me hope. We shouldn't have to fight this hard for help we're entitled to, but at least we're not fighting alone! 🙏

I'm going through this exact same struggle right now! Been calling for my SNAP interview for about a week with zero success - the phone system is absolutely broken. Reading through all these strategies has been incredibly helpful though. I'm definitely going to try that 7:55 AM approach tomorrow to get in queue early, and the mid-week timing makes total sense. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole playbook just to access benefits we're entitled to, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing what actually works. The tip about staying on the line even when it goes silent is something I never would have thought of - I probably hung up thinking I was disconnected when I was actually still in queue! Going to set my alarm early and give it another shot with a different phone number. Thanks Oliver for starting this thread and thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences. At least we know we're not dealing with this nightmare alone! 🤞

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! It's so frustrating when you're already struggling financially and then have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic help. I've been calling for weeks with no luck. Reading through everyone's suggestions here is giving me hope though - especially the tips about calling right at 8 AM and trying the callback feature if Montana has one. It's crazy that we have to strategize like this just to access benefits we qualify for, but at least we're all helping each other figure it out. Thanks everyone for sharing what worked for you! 🙏

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the SNAP phone system can be incredibly frustrating! One thing that helped me was calling during their lunch hour (around 12-1 PM). I know it sounds counterintuitive, but I think fewer people call then because they assume no one's working. Also, if you have a smartphone, put it on speaker and do other things while you wait - it makes the time go by faster and you won't feel as tied down. Another trick: sometimes pressing "0" repeatedly during the automated menu will get you to a live person faster. The system is definitely broken, but don't give up! You deserve this help and it's worth the persistence. Sending you strength! 💪

I'm so glad you finally got through Maya! I've been struggling with the same thing for my recertification - been trying for almost a month now and the wait times are absolutely brutal. The longest I waited was about 2 hours before getting disconnected, which was so demoralizing. It's crazy that we have to treat getting basic food assistance like a part-time job just to reach someone. Reading through all these comments and tips is really helpful though - I'm definitely going to try the Tuesday morning strategy that Madison mentioned. Thank you for sharing your experience and giving the rest of us hope that persistence will eventually pay off! Did they give you any timeline on when you'll hear back about your approval status?

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this process recently! Maya, huge congratulations on finally getting through - I know exactly how exhausting those long hold times can be. I had my SNAP interview about two months ago and it took me nearly three weeks of calling to finally connect with someone. The key things that helped me were: 1) calling right at 8am when they open, 2) having absolutely every document ready (way more than you think you need), and 3) bringing snacks and water because you might be on hold for hours. For anyone still struggling - don't give up! The system is definitely broken and understaffed, but the caseworkers I spoke with were actually really understanding once I got through. They know how hard it is to reach them. Also, if you do get disconnected, sometimes they'll note in your file that you were trying to call, which can help when you finally do connect. Keep pushing through everyone - you deserve this assistance! 💙

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

I heard they just implemented a new phone system. Anyone know if it's actually any better?