Florida Department of Children & Families Customer Service Issues

Our food stamp allocation has been decreased from $[redacted] to $54 per month. Fortunately, our mortgage has been adjusted to a lower rate, and we now benefit from a reduced homestead exemption due to being over 65 and owning our home for 25 years. Our monthly mortgage payment has decreased from $[redacted] to $[redacted]. Additionally, we have a home equity of $[redacted]. There are a few expenses not originally accounted for, such as a $75 monthly phone bill, a $[redacted] vehicle repair loan, and a $[redacted] monthly payment for solar shield installation in our attic. Despite these expenses, we are interested in exploring the possibility of increasing our food stamp benefits.

My business partner has been at Brookdale Atrium for 20 days for rehab. Yesterday, after breakfast, he became increasingly drowsy during occupational therapy and became unresponsive during physical therapy. The nursing staff contacted the doctor who advised transferring him to the ER by ambulance. It was discovered he had OxyContin in his system. Despite not being prescribed such medication, he received narcan from paramedics en route to the hospital and again in the ER. Several concerning incidents were observed, including medication mix-ups by a CNA, lack of ID bracelet for a room-sharing patient who does take OxyContin, language barrier issues with a CNA, and improper use of medical equipment by the same CNA. Past incidents of misidentification leading to medical errors were also reported. Given these events, a thorough investigation into the rehab center at Brookdale Atrium is requested. Thank you, Marlys L Cassidey

I am currently concerned about the well-being of my daughter and grandchildren due to her addiction issues and unsafe behavior. She and her boyfriend have been dishonest while in your care, and I possess evidence of their drug use and negligence with needles, putting the children at risk. I am eager to get assistance to address this situation promptly. I have reached out to a rehabilitation program but would prefer her to receive help through your department to support and guide her without resorting to legal actions. I am willing to take care of the children temporarily until both my daughter and her boyfriend attend a 90-day inpatient rehab. Despite her denial and accusations against me, I am aware of the challenges of dealing with an addict and seek a solution that prioritizes her well-being and recovery.

I recently discovered that a child support case was opened in my name without my permission. I received paperwork requesting proof of paternity from the father of my child. Unfortunately, he was unable to be present when our child's birth certificate was issued, so we now need to visit downtown to add his name, incurring a $20 fee. Due to my struggles with depression and anxiety, I only recently found a new doctor after my insurance stopped covering my OBGYN postpartum. I had just started planning treatment for my Hepatitis C and hoped for a healthier future. However, dealing with the child support case has disrupted my medical appointments, including a dental emergency and gynecologist visit. I also learned that my insurance was inactive when I went for my scheduled gynecologist appointment across town. The process of resolving these issues has been overwhelming, and I seek clarity on why this situation arose and prompt reinstatement of my benefits so I can address my health issues and care for my baby. Thank you for listening to my concerns.

I need to request a renewal of my SNAP Benefits. Unfortunately, due to a series of health issues including Pancreatitis, a Fibromyalgia flare-up, Bronchitis, multiple falls, as well as ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing care, I was unable to provide the necessary information by the deadline. Westchase Management faxed the required papers on time, however, there seemed to have been an issue with the transmission. They re-sent the faxes promptly, but they were considered late for the SNAP Benefits renewal. I kindly ask for a review of the faxed information that was sent on January 17th, as it contained all the details requested, including my name and case number.

I urgently need assistance submitting income verification and switching back to Florida Healthy Kids. My high-risk heart transplant child requires medical care and medications not covered by Medicaid. I have spent hours on the phone with Florida Healthy Kids and on hold with Medicaid, but now need to speak to a supervisor promptly to resolve an error on their end. Please call me at [redacted] before close of business today if feasible. My daughter's health is of utmost importance.

My sibling submitted a case involving Katherine Tsacrios, accusing me of financially abusing our mother. Oral Wagner conducted interviews and ultimately dismissed the accusations, closing the case. Despite this, my brother persists in threatening legal action, avoiding mediation, and consulting multiple lawyers without valid evidence. One of the lawyers he approached advised contacting DCF if he suspected misconduct. It appears he cannot reopen the case as it would be an improper use of resources. At 72 years old, I am seeking guidance on handling the ongoing harassment and baseless claims. I recently discovered your inquiry about the case disposition and hope to receive a response at my current email address provided below as my previous device was outdated. The situation remains distressing, and any advice or support is appreciated. Email: [redacted] Irene Tsacrios OBrien Address: [redacted] Chamberlain Ave., Largo, FL [redacted] Phone: [redacted]

On August 11th, I received a letter instructing me to undergo a phone interview following my online benefits renewal. The letter specified that the deadline for the interview was August 20th. Despite my efforts to contact the provided number for the interview, nobody ever picked up, even after multiple attempts and leaving a message with my call back details. I resorted to calling the 1-[redacted] Access Florida number daily to no avail. Each time, I endured lengthy hold times of at least two and a half hours before being disconnected. The cycle repeated daily without success. Unfortunately, no alternative contact methods were provided for such situations. I urgently require my food stamp benefits, but the lack of communication has left me unable to resolve this issue in time.

He estado solicitando la ayuda de la tarjeta de alimentación durante meses y no he logrado resolver mi situación. Después de enviar la solicitud en línea, recibo una carta o un número de teléfono para una entrevista. En mi caso, me pidieron llamar al número [redacted] y pedir por Lourdes, pero tras intentar contactarla sin éxito, me dieron otro número, [redacted], al cual tampoco responden. He intentado comunicarme por varios meses sin obtener una respuesta satisfactoria.

I sought assistance with my food benefits application in September with the support of a family member. After being asked to do a phone interview, I tried calling multiple times with no success. Despite leaving over 30 voicemails and being promised a call back, I never received one. Now I have received a letter stating my case will be closed because of the missed interview. I am reaching out for assistance regarding this matter. My contact number is [redacted]. I appreciate any help as these services are crucial for many individuals in need. Thank you. - Robert S.

I am currently reapplying for food stamps. Unfortunately, I missed a phone interview due to being in the hospital and was deemed ineligible for expedited benefits. I have since reapplied and completed another phone interview almost a month ago. However, I have not received my food stamps yet, and I have been calling without success. I missed the initial interview due to my hospitalization, and now I am struggling and in need of assistance. I have followed all the necessary steps and am desperate for help with my food situation. If possible, I would like to inquire about the status of my application and see if I can receive expedited benefits or some form of assistance for the month I missed. Your support in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Immediately after facing this issue, I sent an email to the Florida Department for child support as I couldn't reach a person for assistance or to update my financial status. I mistakenly sent money through Zelle, Cash App, etc., instead of through the state. I need to address this bank problem as my 20-month-old son and I rely on it. I am currently unemployed and caring for my child, who I recently gained temporary custody of due to the mother's emotional instability. I am in Hawaii, in the process of changing jobs, and the frozen funds are causing risk for both me and my child.

Today, I received a letter in the mail asking me to complete a review to confirm my eligibility. The letter came with a form to fill out and send back, or I could do it online. I prefer doing reviews online to avoid any mail delays. I've tried calling numerous times but keep getting disconnected. This ordeal has been very frustrating for me, especially because I am not feeling well. I am a senior and could really use some guidance on how to complete the review online. The letter does not provide clear instructions and I am feeling overwhelmed. Could someone please assist me in navigating the online review process? Thank you. - B. Gitlan

I have called six times today with no success. Each time, I waited over 30 minutes on hold only to be transferred to a higher-up and then disconnected. I am in urgent need as I did not receive my food stamps this month, even though I was not supposed to renew them until January 31, [redacted]. I completed two phone interviews in September and October, yet now I am being told the reason for not receiving benefits is due to not doing a phone interview, even though your representatives confirmed that phone interviews are currently not being conducted. As a single mom of two, I am struggling to afford food and the inability to speak to someone to resolve this issue is extremely frustrating.

I have been trying to contact them about my Florida Access account. I suffer from asthma, anxiety, and panic attacks, making it challenging for me to attend the required job training sessions that are 30 miles away. I live in the Ocala National Forest with no means of transportation. Sadly, I did not receive my benefits this month, and I fear they might be discontinued. The criteria for exemption specified physical and mental disabilities, transportation issues, and another qualification that I believe applies to my situation. Additionally, my house burnt down on December 16, resulting in the loss of all my possessions, including food.

I have been waiting for over a month for my Medicaid approval. I am currently 12 weeks pregnant and unable to afford a doctor without it. I have called, and the automated system indicates it's waiting for my pay stubs, but I faxed them to the number provided more than a week and a half ago. There is no option to speak with a person to confirm receipt. I urgently need to speak with someone. I was informed that approval would take a maximum of three weeks, and it has now been almost two months.

I expected to use the automated system, but I was unable to locate it. My case number is [redacted]. I became entitled to benefits in January and provided all necessary documentation. Despite this, I received a denial letter stating otherwise. After speaking with a representative, I was advised to submit information from my current employer as an added precaution. I was told to call back and would be transferred to a supervisor to assess my eligibility and initiate my benefits if deemed appropriate. However, I encountered difficulties with the phone system and operators. I either could not schedule a callback or hold on the line. Occasionally, I received a callback appointment, only to have the representative hang up after placing me on hold to review my file.

Recibí una notificación para llamar para mi entrevista antes del 24 de marzo a las 2:00 p.m. He intentado comunicarme sin éxito. Fui a la oficina y me informaron que me contactarían, pero no tuve suerte. Ayer por la tarde recibí otro número que tampoco funcionó. ¿Hay otra forma de programar mi entrevista? Agradezco su ayuda.

I have been on hold for a while now. When prompted to press 2 for a call back option, it didn't work, keeping me on hold with that tune. My account is locked, and I require a temporary password. Trying to reset it by answering security questions failed, asking me to call. I am experiencing multiple issues in simply logging in. Each attempt from my phone locks me out after one try. This is my 5th time getting a temporary password just to log in. It is frustrating, and I need assistance, please help.

My name is Gary E. and I have a concern regarding my SNAP benefits. Around a month ago, on March 24, I applied for the continuation of my food stamp benefits. In my application, I mistakenly indicated that I worked in December of [redacted] for the Miami-Dade County Elections. Unfortunately, I am unable to obtain a pay stub for this temporary position as there were no tax deductions. I am currently unemployed and actively searching for jobs, with no employment since December [redacted]. It is crucial for my case worker to be aware of this information before May 15, [redacted]. If there are any updates or inquiries, please reach out to me via email at [redacted] or contact me at [redacted].