I'm dealing with the exact same issue! It's absolutely maddening how broken this system is. I've been calling for over a week now and keep getting the runaround. What's helped me a little is calling multiple times throughout the day - sometimes I get through to the queue faster at random times like 2pm or 4pm when maybe fewer people are calling. Also, I started emailing my case worker directly (if you have their contact info) and that at least got me a response acknowledging my renewal is pending. The whole system desperately needs an overhaul - we shouldn't have to become full-time phone warriors just to keep our food assistance! Hang in there everyone, we'll get through this mess eventually. 💪

I've been in this exact situation! What finally worked for me was a combination of persistence and strategic timing. Here's my game plan that eventually got me through: 1. **Call at 7:55am** - Be ready to dial the second they open. I set multiple alarms and had my phone ready to go. 2. **Use the callback feature** - If they have one, use it! Some offices now offer to call you back instead of staying on hold. 3. **Try the Spanish line** - If you speak Spanish or have someone who can help translate, those lines sometimes have shorter wait times. 4. **Visit in person** - I know it's a pain, but sometimes showing up at the local office works when phones don't. Bring ALL your paperwork. 5. **Contact your state representative** - This was my nuclear option, but their office actually helped me get connected within 24 hours. The system is absolutely broken and we shouldn't have to do all this just to renew benefits. But until they fix it, we gotta work with what we have. Don't give up! Your benefits are too important. 🙏

As a newcomer to this community, I'm so glad to hear you finally got this resolved, Charlee! What a roller coaster - from the stress of thinking you missed your interview to discovering it was a "system glitch" that marked it as completed when it never happened. That's exactly the kind of technical failure that shows how vulnerable people can be to bureaucratic errors beyond their control. Reading through all the advice shared here has been really eye-opening. The practical strategies everyone contributed - from Theodore's detailed action steps to suggestions about optimal calling times, social media outreach, and thorough documentation - really demonstrate the collective wisdom this community has developed for navigating these challenges. It's frustrating that accessing basic services requires becoming an expert at working around system failures, but I'm impressed by how everyone rallied with real solutions when you needed help. Your persistence in not giving up despite the runaround really paid off and will inspire others facing similar situations. For your rescheduled interview next week, definitely get written confirmation and maybe call ahead to verify - it's sad we have to take these extra steps, but better safe than sorry after what you've been through. Thanks for sharing your experience and the update - this whole thread is going to help so many people who encounter these kinds of administrative roadblocks. Best of luck with your interview! 🤞

As someone new to this community, I'm so relieved you got this resolved, Charlee! Reading through this whole thread has been both frustrating and enlightening. A "system glitch" that marks interviews as completed when they never happened? That's not just a technical error - that's a failure that could have seriously impacted your ability to get essential food assistance through no fault of your own. What really impressed me is how everyone here jumped in with practical advice and real solutions. From Theodore's comprehensive action plan to all the strategic suggestions about calling times, documentation, and alternative communication methods - this community clearly knows how to help people navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. It's honestly maddening that people have to become experts at working around broken government systems just to access basic services they're entitled to. But seeing how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here gives me hope that we can help each other get through these challenges. For your rescheduled interview, definitely get that confirmation in writing and maybe call the day before to double-check everything is still set. It's unfortunate we have to take these extra precautions, but your persistence really shows others not to give up when the system fails them. Thanks for sharing your experience and the update - this thread is going to help so many people who face similar issues. Wishing you the best of luck with your interview next week! 🤞

This might sound crazy, but have you tried reaching out on social media? Some agencies actually respond pretty quick on Twitter or Facebook. Worth a shot! 🤷‍♂️

I had the exact same thing happen to me last month! So frustrating. What finally worked for me was calling the main number, but when they asked for my case number, I pressed 0 instead to get transferred to a human operator. Then I explained that I got disconnected during my renewal interview and asked them to put a note in my file about it. They were actually able to schedule me for a callback appointment instead of making me wait on hold again. Also, make sure you have all your documents ready and your phone fully charged before the next attempt - learned that the hard way! 📞

Hey Anastasia! I totally feel your frustration - I went through the exact same thing when I had my daughter. One thing that worked for me was calling around lunchtime (11:30am-12:30pm) when there might be less call volume. Also, try pressing different menu options - sometimes the "general information" line has shorter wait times and they can transfer you to the right department. If you haven't already, make sure you have your case number ready and all your documents organized before calling. It sounds silly, but I also found that calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays worked better than Mondays or Fridays. Hang in there mama, you've got this! 💪👶

I'm so sorry you're going through this with a newborn - that adds so much extra stress! I had a similar experience and what finally worked for me was calling the main DHS number and asking to speak with a supervisor about scheduling my SNAP interview. Sometimes the supervisors have more flexibility to set up appointments directly. Also, if you have any community health centers or WIC offices nearby, they sometimes have direct contacts at DHS who can help expedite things. The social workers there were super helpful when I was struggling to get through. Don't give up - you're doing everything right, the system is just overwhelmed. Your baby is lucky to have such a persistent mama! 🍼💪

pro tip: if u get denied, appeal! i got denied first time but won my appeal. dont give up!

Hey Natasha! I just went through this process a few months ago. One thing that really helped me was practicing explaining my situation out loud beforehand - it made me way less nervous during the actual call. Also, have a glass of water nearby because talking for 30-45 minutes straight can make your mouth dry! The caseworkers are generally pretty understanding, so try not to stress too much. You've got this! 💪