Dept of Child & Families, Access Florida Customer Service Issues

I received a notification to renew my food stamps by November 15, [redacted]. I sent my application in on November 9, [redacted]. However, I have not received any notification besides the status being displayed as "pending" on my login account. Despite calling and being told I would receive a callback on December 6th at 1:30 p.m., I have not received any calls. My benefits were due on December 3rd, and with no changes to my application, I am unsure why my food stamp benefits were not renewed. It's Christmas time, and I am in desperate need. Despite multiple calls, I have been unable to get assistance. I would appreciate it if you could address this issue promptly. Thank you in advance. I would like to prepare a Christmas dinner, but I currently have no funds.🎅🎄

I need to recertify for the Medicare Savings Program (QMB) and Medicaid by the end of the month. I applied online but then received a letter asking the same questions, which took 14 days to arrive. My online account shows the recertification is in progress, but when I called three days ago, the automated system mentioned it would be done by 12/16/[redacted]. However, when I called again today, the information had changed, and now there is no pending application. The online portal advises not to submit another application. I have tried to call customer service, but after waiting for 3 hours, no one answered. It's frustrating not to have any support or confirmation from the Department regarding my recertification status.

My name is John J. I receive my benefits on the 28th of each month. I was late renewing my benefits, which I completed on the 29th of November. However, I now have to wait until December 28th to receive anything. Is there any way I could avoid being penalized for the whole month? It's been tough in the last couple of weeks. I don't mean to complain, but I live in a tent without a car, so I'm doing my best. I really rely on food assistance at the moment. Thank you very much for your time. If you can assist with this issue, it would be greatly appreciated. Have a Merry Christmas.

I am seeking assistance regarding a missed interview for my food stamps. I was not notified and now they are cut off for December and January. My husband is disabled, and I have an upcoming eye surgery. I am unable to drive to the office due to my condition. No one at the 1-[redacted] numbers or family services could help me. Please address this issue before my scheduled interview. My name is Cathy Vallad, and my confirmation number is [redacted]-[redacted]-[redacted] from 11/12/[redacted]. I am experiencing issues on my phone, and I cannot access the case number, but it is [redacted]. Please contact me at [redacted]. Thank you for your understanding. Cathy Vallad

I am Vernon C. My food stamps for December and January are still pending. As a disabled individual relying on a personal assistant, we have been trying to resolve this issue all morning. I submitted my application for recertification on 12/13/[redacted] online. Can you please look into the delay as I am in urgent need of assistance. My username is Vernon2022 with passcode Mocha2021. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.

My adult son, who is severely brain-injured, had all his services unexpectedly terminated yesterday. We never received the renewal email, making it impossible for me to log in to the website and process the renewal. Due to being his advocate, I am unable to access the MyAccess login page. This has occurred nearly three years in a row. Last year, a kind worker assisted me personally, guiding me through the login and renewal process which I greatly appreciated. Since I need to provide both his and my information to log in, and require assistance in some areas to reapply for him, I am facing the risk of him losing essential services and me losing my direct care pay, potentially resulting in losing our home. I am unsure of the problem preventing me from logging on, but I managed to obtain the necessary information and have it expedited for an immediate restart. I am desperate for help as he also receives LTCS, and his caseworker is currently unavailable. I am in a frantic state. Thank you.

I submitted my application for food stamps around a month ago, and it is still processing with a technical verification issue. I am willing to provide any additional proof needed to move my application forward, as my case number is [redacted]. Being 83 years old and having very low income, I rely on this assistance and am concerned about accessing my food stamps for this month. The Access Florida website only mentions that verification is necessary but does not specify what type of proof I should submit or further steps to take. It has been a month without any contact or progress. I am eager to comply with any requirements, so please reach out to me and guide me on the necessary steps to get my application approved. Thank you. J. Konik

I submitted my benefits renewal application on 12/13. Despite no notifications for an interview or any requirements, I have been unsuccessful in reaching anyone through the [redacted] or [redacted] numbers. The case worker at [redacted] is also unreachable. In My Access/My Benefits/Food Assistance/Details, the chart states 'verification needed' repeatedly, without specifying what verification is needed. I have been trying to resolve this for over two weeks with no success in contacting anyone. The only recent communication I received was an expiration notice for my previous benefits. The confirmation number for my renewal application is [redacted]50. My case number is [redacted]. I kindly request DCF to address this issue by answering their phones and looking into my case.

I completed the recertification for my food stamps on 11/15/21. On 12/22/21, I received a letter requesting proof of income by 1/3/[redacted], which I promptly faxed on 12/24/21. Despite this, on 12/27/21, DCF closed my case for non-compliance, even though I submitted the information on time. I have tried reaching out to my case worker multiple times but have not received a response. On 1/7/22, I faxed my proof of income again and pointed out in the letters I received that the guidelines were not followed, asking for a review of my case. However, I have yet to hear back from anyone or receive any communication. The call center is also not responding to my calls. It is frustrating to have to go through this process again when I have followed all the instructions provided. I would appreciate guidance on how to proceed.

I am Teri B. and my case number with the Florida Department of Children and Families is [redacted]. I completed my food stamps recertification on 11/15/21. Despite faxing in proof of income by 12/24/21, as requested by the 12/22/21 letter, my case was closed for non-compliance on 12/27/21. I have reached out to my case worker multiple times with no response. I sent the proof of income again on 1/7/22 and requested a case review, but have not received any updates. The call center is also not responsive. I followed all the guidelines and should not have to reapply. I am unsure of the next steps and would appreciate guidance on this matter.

In November [redacted], I applied for EBT and submitted my income verification forms on 11/30/[redacted] before midnight. The next day when I logged in, my account showed as closed. I reapplied this month in January, and my application got approved. My concern is making sure my account doesn't get closed again after submitting all required forms. I rely on these benefits as my paycheck goes mostly towards bills, leaving me with little for food. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am experiencing difficulty renewing my DCF benefits on MY ACCESS online due to a computer glitch with zip codes. Despite trying multiple browsers, the system consistently adds a 4-digit extension to my zip code, rendering it invalid and preventing me from proceeding. I have contacted various DCF numbers for assistance but have not received a resolution. I am unable to visit in person and cannot find a renewal packet on the DCF website. This issue is causing me to risk losing my benefits and needs to be resolved promptly across all browsers and devices. I have tried accessing it on my computer, iPhone, and Android phone to no avail. Any help in fixing this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

I am experiencing an issue with my certification renewal process. I submitted my application in December but have not received a call for the interview. Despite numerous attempts to contact the office, I have been left on hold for extended periods without any response. After following up multiple times, I was even told that my application was not on file. I resubmitted it, but the problem persisted. Today, when I finally reached a representative, they acknowledged the lack of response and promised to transfer me to the correct department for assistance with the interview process. However, the delays have caused frustration as it is now later in the month and I am still awaiting resolution. I have consistently fulfilled all requirements for renewal in the past, so this unexpected lack of communication is concerning. I am eager to complete the interview and request prompt assistance to move forward.

My Medicaid plan needs to be corrected urgently. I am meant to have dual eligibility to enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan. Currently, I only have Original Medicare through SSDI since I recently moved to Florida in December, and this is the interim coverage. I am unable to apply for dual eligibility for Medicare Advantage plans in Florida until this issue is resolved. In Illinois, I had Dual Eligibility with extra assistance through the Medicare Savings Program as I am permanently disabled and solely rely on SSDI for income. I spent the entire day on hold from 8:00 am to 4:16 pm without anyone assisting me on the phone. This situation is extremely frustrating.

I am Drollene Brown, and I am reaching out regarding my son, Mark Tittle, who agreed to be the guardian for the Williams family in mid-December through DCF. The initial agreement was supposed to last around two weeks, but it has extended much longer. Mark's social worker, Courtney, has been overseeing this situation. Unfortunately, there have been repeated delays, and the living conditions in the Williams' home are causing significant stress on my son, who is disabled. As a result, his health has been deteriorating. I, at 82 years old, am also impacted as Mark has had my car during this period, leaving me isolated. The house has unresolved septic and AC issues, exacerbating the situation. Mark is committed to caring for his grandchildren, but the strain is taking a toll on his well-being. It is crucial that this situation is resolved promptly.

I was informed that I'm not eligible for food stamps because I failed to return a required form. I did not send it in because two representatives told me it wasn't needed. Despite the disclaimer about monitored calls for quality, I was assured no further action was necessary after the interview. I rely on this assistance and feel let down by the misinformation. This is a new issue for me, and I don't want it to recur. I have the information I was initially told was unnecessary and hope I won't have to resubmit my whole application. Please assist.

Hello, I am Niurka Catala, and my case number is [redacted]. My husband and I have been receiving food stamps, but in November, our card showed zero balance without any prior email notification. After updating our income on the "My Access" website, we received $[redacted] on January 7 after waiting for over a month. However, we are unsure why our benefits were lowered or why we didn't receive any for December. Visiting the local office is challenging due to limited slots and early queues, which is difficult for us as high-risk elderly individuals. Seeking assistance via phone has been unsuccessful. We appreciate any guidance or help regarding our case as it's now February, and we haven't received any updates or stamps. Thank you, Niurka Catala & Raul N. Corella

I am reaching out about my ongoing struggle with a phone interview for my benefits. My issues with food stamps began at the end of last year, and despite my efforts to contact someone for the past month, I have not received assistance. I was given the number of an individual named John, but my messages have gone unanswered for the past week. The lack of progress on my case has left me without food stamps while dealing with homelessness and hospitalization. I urgently require food stamp assistance for the next six months and can provide documentation to support my situation. Please respond promptly so I can access the benefits I am legally entitled to. Thank you.

I have been trying to contact Access Florida for a week to request a form to verify my check stubs for my case. I applied by December 15th, [redacted], but I have not received my food stamps for January. I am on a tight budget and quickly running out of food. I need to speak with a representative to resolve this before February 14, [redacted], to avoid further problems. It's frustrating that I can't get through to them, and I wish the Access office on US 19 North in Port Richey, Florida, would reopen for in-person visits.

I completed my phone interview, but my food stamps are still not added for my six children. My application has been pending since December 27, [redacted]. I did the phone interview on the 3rd, but the number provided for assistance has a full mailbox, and it has been full for over two weeks with no return calls. This is a challenging time, and I am in need of assistance to resolve this issue promptly.