SNAP benefits: Can't get through for interview, waited hours on phone. Help!
I've been trying to get in touch with SNAP for an interview to get approved for benefits. I've already waited on the phone for hours multiple times this week. It's so frustrating! Does anyone have any tips on how to actually get through to a real person? I really need help paying for groceries and I'm running out of options.
27 comments


Paige Cantoni
Ugh, I feel your pain. I was in the same boat last month. It's like they don't want us to get the help we need! Have you tried calling right when they open? That worked for me after a few tries.
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Chad Winthrope
•Yeah, I've tried that too. No luck so far. 😞 Did you have to wait long when you finally got through?
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Paige Cantoni
•It still took about an hour on hold, but at least I got through! Keep trying, you'll get there eventually. 💪
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Kylo Ren
•An hour? Luky you! I was on hold for 3 hours last week and then they hung up on me. This system is a joke 🤡
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Nina Fitzgerald
Have you tried applying online? Sometimes that's faster than calling. Here's the link: [insert state-specific SNAP application link]
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Chad Winthrope
•Thanks for the suggestion! I actually already applied online, but they said I need a phone interview to complete the process. That's why I'm trying to get through on the phone.
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Nina Fitzgerald
•Ah, gotcha. That's tough. Maybe try reaching out to your local food bank in the meantime? They might be able to help while you wait for SNAP to get their act together.
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Jason Brewer
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 how it works: https://youtu.be/GnWMF9pWP-U
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Kiara Fisherman
•Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Liam Cortez
•20 bucks? That's kinda steep when your trying to get help with food 😕
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Jason Brewer
•I know it sounds sketchy, but I swear it worked for me. Saved me hours of frustration. And yeah, $20 isn't cheap, but for me it was worth it to finally get through.
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Savannah Vin
•Can you give more details about how it works? Do they just keep calling until they get through?
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Jason Brewer
•Basically, yeah. They have some kind of system that navigates the phone menu and waits on hold. When a real person picks up, it calls your phone and connects you. Took about 2 hours for me, but I didn't have to do anything during that time.
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Mason Stone
Here's a comprehensive guide to getting through to SNAP: 1. Try calling early in the morning, right when they open. 2. If possible, call mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday). Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. 3. Have all your documents ready before you call. This includes: - ID - Proof of income - Rent/mortgage info - Utility bills 4. Be persistent. It might take multiple attempts. 5. While waiting, check if your state has an online chat option for SNAP questions. 6. Consider reaching out to local non-profits or community organizations that might be able to advocate for you. 7. If all else fails, you might want to try contacting your local government representative. They sometimes have channels to expedite these processes. Remember, you have the right to these benefits if you qualify. Don't give up!
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Chad Winthrope
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed guide! I'll definitely try some of these strategies. 🙏
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Makayla Shoemaker
•This is great advice! I'd add: make sure your phone is fully charged before you call. Nothing worse than your phone dying after being on hold for an hour!
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Christian Bierman
•Good tips, but its so messed up that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get help. The system is broken 😤
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Emma Olsen
have u tried going to the office in person? sometimes thats faster than calling
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Chad Winthrope
•I haven't tried that yet. Do you know if I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
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Emma Olsen
•i think u can just walk in but might have to wait a while. bring a book lol
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Lucas Lindsey
This is why we need to vote for politicians who actually care about social services. The underfunding of these programs is a disgrace. 😡
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Sophie Duck
•Preach! 🙌 But good luck getting anyone to care about us poor folks
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Austin Leonard
•Let's not turn this into a political debate. OP just needs help with their SNAP benefits.
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Anita George
Hey, hang in there! I know it's tough, but don't give up. SNAP was a lifesaver for me when I was struggling. Sending you good vibes and hoping you get through soon! ❤️
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Andre Moreau
I went through the same nightmare last year! What finally worked for me was calling at exactly 8:00 AM on a Wednesday. I also made sure to have all my paperwork spread out on my kitchen table before dialing - SS card, pay stubs, rent receipt, everything. It still took 2.5 hours on hold, but I got through! One tip nobody mentions: if you get disconnected, call back immediately. Sometimes they have a callback feature that kicks in after a certain number of dropped calls. Also, don't hang up if you hear dead air - sometimes it takes a minute for them to pick up even after the hold music stops. You've got this! The system is broken but you deserve those benefits. Keep fighting! 💪
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•Thank you for sharing your experience! The callback feature is something I haven't heard of before - that's really helpful to know. I'm definitely going to try the Wednesday 8 AM strategy. It's encouraging to hear from someone who actually made it through the system successfully. Really appreciate the detailed tips! 🙏
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Julia Hall
I had a similar struggle a few months ago - it's absolutely maddening! What ended up working for me was using the callback option if your state has one. In Montana, you can request a callback through their online portal instead of waiting on hold. It took about 3 days to get the call back, but at least I didn't have to sit by the phone for hours. Also, try calling different regional offices if possible - sometimes the smaller rural offices have shorter wait times than the main city numbers. Don't give up, you're not alone in this frustration! 🤞
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