This thread is SO helpful! I just joined CalFresh about 6 weeks ago and those phantom calls started last week - I was absolutely terrified that I had messed something up with my application or missed an important deadline. Getting 4 calls in one day that all immediately hang up when you answer is beyond frustrating! I had no idea this was such a widespread issue with their auto-dialer system. Reading everyone's experiences here has honestly saved my sanity. I was literally losing sleep thinking they were going to cut my benefits because they "couldn't reach me" even though THEY were hanging up on me! I'm going to set up those text notifications in BenefitsCal right now, and I love the tip about calling exactly at 8am when they open. The idea of visiting the office in person is also really smart - sometimes you just need that face-to-face confirmation that everything is okay with your case. Thank you all for sharing your tips and experiences. It's such a relief to know I'm not the only one dealing with this broken phone system!

Ugh, I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been getting these phantom calls from DPSS for the past two weeks and it's been driving me absolutely insane. Just like everyone else described - I see the county number, rush to answer thinking it's about something important with my benefits, and then... click. Dead silence and they hang up! The worst part is I've been spending my lunch breaks trying to call them back and sitting on hold for over an hour each time, only to never reach anyone. I was starting to think there was some major issue with my case that they desperately needed to tell me about. Thank you everyone for explaining that it's their broken auto-dialer system! I feel so much better knowing this is happening to tons of people and it's not actually urgent. I'm going to check my BenefitsCal account right now and set up those text notifications that several people mentioned. Way better than relying on this nightmare phone system! Also definitely going to try that 8am calling strategy if I ever need to actually reach someone. This community is seriously a lifesaver - I don't know how people navigate DPSS without forums like this!

Reading through this entire thread as someone who's dealt with CalFresh for about a year now, I'm both relieved for you that it turned out to be a system glitch and frustrated that this kind of thing happens so regularly. The stress you must have felt getting that text is something I can totally relate to - I've been there with similar scares. What really stands out to me is how this community came together to help troubleshoot your situation. From @Declan Ramirez checking with other clients to confirm it was system-wide, to @Harper Collins sharing the Claimyr solution, to @Kelsey Hawkins explaining the technical side of why these systems don't sync properly - it's amazing how much collective knowledge exists here. I've learned so much from reading everyone's responses about documentation strategies, backup contact methods, and the various safety nets built into the system. The tip about keeping physical printouts from @Micah Trail is something I'm definitely going to start doing. It shouldn't be necessary to become an expert in navigating broken systems just to get food assistance, but at least we can help each other through it. Thanks for sharing your experience and for everyone who contributed solutions. This is exactly the kind of mutual support that makes dealing with these frustrating systems a little more manageable!

As someone who just went through my first CalFresh recertification last month, this thread is both incredibly helpful and deeply concerning. I had no idea that system glitches like this were so common! I'm definitely going to start implementing all the documentation strategies everyone has shared here. What really strikes me is how much institutional knowledge exists in this community about navigating these broken systems. The fact that we need services like Claimyr or have to develop elaborate backup strategies just to prove we submitted required documents is honestly ridiculous. But I'm so grateful that people like @Kelsey Hawkins can explain the technical side of why these systems don't communicate properly, and that @Declan Ramirez was able to identify it as a system-wide issue. I'm bookmarking this entire thread as a reference guide - the tips about screenshots, confirmation numbers, physical printouts, and direct worker contact methods are going to be invaluable. It shouldn't be this complicated to access basic food assistance, but at least we have each other to help navigate the chaos. Really glad this worked out for you and your family! Thanks for sharing your experience - it's probably going to help tons of other people who run into similar issues.

Hi Zoe! Welcome to the CalFresh community! I can totally understand your confusion - I had the exact same experience when I first got approved. The timing between getting your card and actually receiving benefits can definitely be confusing, especially when they don't explain it clearly during the application process. Since your approval letter specifically states that benefits begin in May 2025, you're absolutely right that you'll need to wait until May 1st for your first deposit. The county typically sends EBT cards out in advance so you'll have everything ready when benefits actually start. This is completely normal for new applicants. In the meantime, if you're running low on groceries before May 1st, I'd definitely recommend checking out local food banks or pantries in your area. Many don't require any paperwork and can really help bridge that gap. You can find resources near you by visiting 211.org or just calling 2-1-1. Once your benefits do load on May 1st (usually early morning between 6-8 AM), you'll find the whole process becomes much smoother. One tip I wish someone had given me early on - make a shopping list focused on versatile staples like rice, beans, pasta, eggs, and frozen vegetables. These ingredients can stretch pretty far and give you lots of meal options throughout the month. Hang in there - May 1st is just around the corner, and then you'll be all set! This community is amazing for ongoing questions and tips once you start your CalFresh journey.

Hi Zoe! Welcome to the CalFresh community! I can see from everyone's responses that you've gotten some great clarification about your benefits starting May 1st - that's totally normal timing and nothing to worry about! I just wanted to add a tip that really helped me when I was new: once you do get your first deposit on May 1st, consider doing a "practice run" at a smaller store first before tackling a big grocery shopping trip. I was so nervous about using my EBT card for the first time that I went to a small corner store, bought just a loaf of bread and some milk, and practiced the whole swipe-and-PIN process. It gave me confidence for my bigger shopping trips later. Also, don't forget that many stores have EBT-eligible items clearly marked on shelf tags now, which makes shopping much easier. And if you're ever unsure about whether something qualifies, the general rule is: if it's food for home preparation and consumption, it's usually covered (but no hot prepared foods, alcohol, vitamins, or household items). You're going to do great once May 1st arrives! This community is super supportive, so don't hesitate to come back with questions as you navigate your first month with CalFresh.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share a resource that saved me when I was in a similar situation last year. The Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center has an emergency assistance fund specifically for families fleeing domestic situations, but they also help families in other crisis situations where children are at risk of homelessness. They can sometimes approve emergency housing assistance within 24 hours and have relationships with local landlords who work with families receiving assistance. Call them at (916) 874-5050 and explain your situation - even though it may not technically be domestic violence, they understand that any family crisis that puts children at risk of homelessness is an emergency. They also have partnerships with other agencies, so even if they can't directly help, they can fast-track your applications elsewhere. Also, don't forget to mention to every agency that you're employed and starting work soon - this makes you a much stronger candidate for assistance because they know you'll be able to maintain housing once you get stabilized. Having that job offer letter is going to be huge in these conversations. You're being such an incredible advocate for your children. The fact that you're reaching out and fighting this hard shows what an amazing mom you are. There are people and programs out there designed exactly for situations like yours - don't give up!

I'm new to this community but wanted to add another angle that might help with your urgent timeline. Since you mentioned you have $500 saved and found an apartment for $2,100/month, consider asking the landlord if they'd accept a co-signer arrangement temporarily while you get on your feet with your new job. Sometimes landlords will reduce or waive the security deposit if you have a creditworthy co-signer (maybe a family member or friend) who can guarantee the first few months. Also, check if your new employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - many companies offer emergency financial assistance or can connect you with local resources. Some employers will even provide an advance on your first paycheck for housing emergencies, especially when children are involved. One more resource to add to your list: Sacramento Self-Help Housing at (916) 341-0593. They specifically help families secure affordable housing and often have emergency assistance funds available. They're really good at working within tight timelines for families with children. You're doing everything right by reaching out and being proactive. With your job starting soon and all the resources this community has shared, I really believe you're going to find a solution. Your kids are lucky to have such a determined mom fighting for them!

This whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm also on CalFresh and had no clue about these transportation assistance programs. Like others mentioned, it's so frustrating that they don't automatically tell you about all the programs you might qualify for when you first apply. I'm definitely going to ask about the reduced transit passes - paying $85/month for a bus pass is killing my budget. And I had no idea about the medical transportation through Medi-Cal either. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've used these programs, do they check your income annually or do they just verify that you're still receiving CalFresh? I'm worried about the paperwork burden since I already have to recertify my CalFresh benefits every year. Thanks to everyone for sharing such practical advice. This is exactly the kind of insider knowledge that makes navigating these systems so much easier!

This thread is so helpful for understanding how CalFresh connects to other assistance programs! I'm currently on CalFresh and struggling with transportation costs too - spending about $200/month on rideshares and buses to get to work and appointments. Reading everyone's experiences, it's clear that while CalFresh benefits themselves can only be used for food, being eligible for CalFresh opens doors to other transportation assistance programs. I had no idea about the reduced transit passes or the medical transportation through Medi-Cal! I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service since I've been having the same problem getting through to my county office - spent over 3 hours on hold last week just to get disconnected. It's so frustrating that we have to hunt down information about these programs ourselves instead of being told about them when we first apply for benefits. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real experiences and practical tips. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these confusing systems so much easier!