Can't reach California CalFresh? Claimyr connects you to a live DSS agent in minutes.
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Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the DSS
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- Redial until on hold
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If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
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Wait are we talking about CalFresh or CalWorks? Because those have different issuance schedules I think? My CalWorks comes on the 1st but CalFresh is based on case number.
I'm talking about CalFresh (food benefits). I don't receive CalWorks.
You're right that they're different programs with different issuance schedules. CalWorks cash benefits typically come on the 1st of the month, while CalFresh benefits are staggered throughout the first 10 days based on the last digit of your case number. Both go onto the same EBT card though, which sometimes causes confusion.
My sister just called me and said hers came through about an hour ago and she's in Boyle Heights. Have you had any issues with your semi-annual report? Sometimes if your SAR7 was processed late or had any issues that can delay benefits.
I did my recertification last month and everything was approved. Got the letter saying I was approved for another year. Nothing about any issues with my SAR7...but now I'm wondering if something got flagged and they didn't tell me.
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btw did ur cards come in a blue envelope?? mine did and i almost threw it away thinking it was junk mail! they should really mark these better
Yes! Mine was in a plain blue envelope with just the state return address. I almost missed it too! Definitely not clearly marked as important government benefits.
my freind nearly threw hers away last year bc it looked like a credit card offer LOL
One more important note for everyone receiving Summer EBT cards: these funds are specifically for purchasing food for your children. Unlike regular CalFresh EBT, you cannot use Summer EBT to purchase: - Hot prepared foods - Non-food items - Vitamins or medicines If you try to purchase ineligible items, the transaction for those specific items will be declined. Also, keep your cards even after the balance is zero - the state may reload them for future programs rather than issuing new cards.
Thanks for this information! So it sounds like the eligible purchases are the same as regular CalFresh EBT (just food items), except we can't get hot prepared foods even at approved restaurants. Good to know about keeping the cards too - that makes sense.
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After I got my issue solved, the worker told me a lot of families are experiencing this same problem. She mentioned that they're receiving thousands of calls about missing P-EBT benefits, so the system is completely overwhelmed. When I used Claimyr to get through, I spoke to an actual eligibility worker who looked up my son's information directly instead of just reading from a script. Definitely worth trying if you're still stuck.
I'm going to try this tomorrow morning. I've spent enough time listening to that hold music! Thanks again for the recommendation.
Quick update on P-EBT distribution for San Bernardino County: According to the latest CDSS update from April 30, 2025, Chaffey Joint district is scheduled for the June 10-24 distribution window. There were data transfer issues with several schools but those have reportedly been resolved. Benefits should be automatically issued during that window as long as your child is properly coded in the system. If you don't receive benefits by June 25, that would be the appropriate time to escalate. In the meantime, document that your child receives free school meals as this may be needed if you need to file for missing benefits later.
Thank you SO MUCH for this specific information! That gives me a concrete timeframe to watch for. I'll wait until that window passes before panicking more. I appreciate everyone's help!
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The one thing I haven't seen anyone mention - make sure to apply at the office in the county where you're CURRENTLY staying, not based on any previous address. CalFresh is county-administered, and each county has slightly different processes. If you apply to the wrong county, it can cause delays. Also, when they ask for an address, you can: 1. Use "homeless/car" as your living situation 2. Provide a mailing address (maybe a friend's place or general delivery at post office) 3. Ask if you can pick up your EBT card at the office rather than have it mailed For your child with autism - there's a program called IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) where YOU can actually become a paid caregiver for your child with special needs. Worth asking about at the same time you apply for CalFresh.
This is great advice about applying in the current county. Also worth noting - while CalFresh benefits can be used immediately once approved, the physical EBT card delivery can sometimes take 7-10 days if mailed. That's why picking it up at the office is usually faster for emergency cases.
UPDATE: I went to the county office this morning and applied for emergency CalFresh! The worker was actually really helpful once I explained our situation. I brought our expired out-of-state IDs, birth certificates, and some medical records for the kids, and that was enough. They did an expedited interview right there. We were approved for emergency benefits ($1,750/month for our family size!) and I got a temporary EBT card SAME DAY! The worker also helped me apply for CalWORKs homeless assistance and gave me referrals to several local food pantries. I'm so relieved we'll be able to get food today. Thank you everyone for your advice - it made a huge difference knowing what to ask for!
That's FANTASTIC news! So glad you got same-day benefits. Make sure to follow through with the CalWORKs application too - that can provide cash aid and potentially temporary housing assistance while you get back on your feet. And definitely look into those Regional Center services for your son with autism as someone suggested above.
awesome news!! glad u got help so fast
Miguel Ortiz
I'm sorry you're having trouble with your EBT card replacement. It can be so stressful when you're waiting for benefits and have children to feed. If you're in an emergency situation, please don't forget there are food banks that can help while you're sorting this out. Most don't require any documentation for emergency assistance. I've been in your shoes and understand how difficult this waiting period can be. As for your card, once you get through to customer service, ask them to check if the card was actually mailed and if they have tracking information. Sometimes there are delays with the vendor that prints the cards. Wishing you the best.
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thank you for the kind suggestion. I actually called 211 yesterday and they referred me to a local food bank, but I don't have transportation to get there. I'm hoping to resolve this EBT issue asap. Appreciate your understanding.
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Dylan Cooper
update??? did u get ur card?
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Giovanni Colombo
•UPDATE: I called the EBT customer service number that was shared here. After 20 minutes on hold, they told me my card was mailed 8 days ago but couldn't provide tracking. They offered to cancel that one and send a new one with expedited shipping that should arrive by Friday. They also gave me the option to go to the county office for same-day replacement, but I can't miss work. Thanks everyone for your help!
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