Finally got through to SNAP for interview after hours on hold - Anyone else struggling?

Congrats on finally getting through! I've been trying to reach them for weeks now. How long did you have to wait on hold this time?

I found a way to get someone on the phone without waiting for hours. 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/GnWMF9pWP-U

ugh im so tired of this broken system. why do we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic assistance? 🤬

Has anyone had luck getting through using the online portal? I've been trying to avoid calling if possible.

Pro tip: Try calling right when they open in the morning. I got through after only a 20 minute wait last week!

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the SNAP interview process: • Prepare all necessary documents beforehand (ID, proof of income, rent/utility bills, etc.) • Be ready to answer questions about your household size, income, and expenses • Stay calm and patient during the interview • Ask for clarification if you don't understand a question • Follow up after the interview if you don't hear back within the expected timeframe Remember, the caseworkers are there to help you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or request assistance if needed. Good luck to everyone going through this process!

Anyone else feel like theyre playing phone tag with these ppl? I swear I've left like 10 voicemails and still no callback 😤

Just a heads up, I heard they're implementing a new phone system next month that's supposed to reduce wait times. Fingers crossed it actually works! 🤞

I'm going through the same thing right now! Been trying to get my recertification interview scheduled for over a month. The wait times are absolutely ridiculous - I've been on hold for 2+ hours multiple times just to get disconnected. It's so frustrating when you're already struggling and need these benefits. Thanks for sharing your experience Maya, at least it gives me hope that I'll eventually get through! Did they schedule your follow-up appointments during the interview or do you have to call back for those too?

This is such a common struggle unfortunately! I'm currently waiting to hear back after my interview from last week. The whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with food insecurity. Maya, did they give you any timeline on when you'll hear back about approval? I'm getting anxious because my current benefits expire soon and I still haven't heard anything. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic assistance when we need it most.

I've been dealing with this exact same issue for the past three weeks! The wait times are absolutely insane - I've been disconnected twice after waiting over 90 minutes each time. It's so demoralizing when you're already struggling and just need help getting basic food assistance. Maya, congratulations on finally getting through! Did you have to provide any additional documentation during your interview, or were they able to process everything you had already submitted? I'm worried I might be missing something and will have to start the whole process over again. This system really needs major improvements - nobody should have to spend this much time just trying to get help when they need it most.

This thread is so helpful! I'm in the same boat - been trying to get through for my recertification for almost 6 weeks now. The longest I waited was 3 hours before getting disconnected and I literally cried. It's exhausting having to keep trying when you're already dealing with financial stress. Maya, thanks for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that persistence will eventually pay off! For anyone still struggling, I've found that Tuesday and Wednesday mornings seem to have slightly shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. Still long, but maybe saves you 30-45 minutes. We really shouldn't have to become experts at gaming the system just to get basic food assistance though. The whole process needs serious reform!

I'm so glad you finally got through Maya! I've been in the same situation for weeks now - it's incredibly frustrating when you're already stressed about finances and then have to spend hours on hold just to get basic assistance. The system is definitely broken when people have to treat getting through to their caseworker like winning the lottery. I've been trying the early morning approach that Madison mentioned, but even then I'm looking at 45+ minute waits. It's exhausting having to block out entire chunks of your day just hoping to connect with someone. Thanks for sharing your experience though - it gives me motivation to keep trying! Did they give you a direct number or any way to reach your specific caseworker for follow-ups?

I'm so sorry everyone is going through this same nightmare! I'm new to SNAP and just started the application process last week. Reading all these stories about hours-long wait times and getting disconnected is honestly terrifying - I had no idea it would be this difficult just to get through to someone. Maya, congratulations on finally completing your interview! That gives me some hope that persistence will eventually pay off. I'm dreading having to make that call but seeing how supportive this community is makes me feel less alone in this process. Does anyone have advice for first-time applicants on what to expect or how to prepare? This whole system seems designed to wear people down rather than actually help those in need.

I'm dealing with the exact same frustration right now! Been trying to get through for my initial application interview for over two weeks. The longest I waited was 2.5 hours before the line just went dead - I was so close to tears. It's incredible that we have to treat getting basic food assistance like a full-time job just to reach someone. Maya, I'm so relieved to hear you finally got through! Did they mention anything about callback options or is it really just keep calling until you get lucky? This whole experience has been so demoralizing when you're already struggling financially. Thank you for sharing your success story though - it gives me hope that I'll eventually get my turn too! 🙏